TIRANA -- Germany took a confident step
towards next year's World Cup finals when they beat Albania 2-0
in a European group nine qualifier on Wednesday.
Goals by Marko Rehmer in the 28th minute and Michael Ballack
in the 68th kept the Germans well in control of the group with
16 points from six games.
But the Germans will take on England in their next match in
September without Carsten Ramelow who was sent off with
Albania's Edvin Murati after a clash in the 34th minute.
Ramelow said: "The red card was not deserved. In the
situation I did absolutely nothing. It was clear to me that my
opposite player would eventually be sent off... but I didn't
think that I would have to go with him."
Germany coach Rudi Voeller was cautious about his team's
chances of reaching the finals.
"The victory is another step towards the World Cup but we
are not yet through," the former striker said.
"I am not complacent. We have a couple of home games wich
we must win. The players have now earned their holiday after a
good performance."
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