Ballack strike puts Germany on course against sad Wales

GERMANY took another ominous step towards South Africa 2010, Michael Ballack blasting home an early 30-yarder before the unlucky Ashley Williams scored an own goal for the clincher.

Germany did not need any help from the officials but that was precisely what happened after just 11 minutes when Ballack unleashed a swerving drive from 30 yards that crashed into the top corner past Wayne Hennessey.

However, that came from Germany being allowed to take a throw on the left that was clearly a Wales ball. Neither linesman or referee Terje Hauge reacted and the ball was instantly fed to the Chelsea man to score. Half a dozen Wales players complained bitterly to the Norwegian referee, but to no avail.