Bellamy breaks Welsh scoring duck

Wales 3 Cyprus 1

Ireland’s group rivals Wales put behind them the misery of their five-goal weekend mauling to claim their first victory in group D.

They were humiliated on their own Millennium Stadium pitch by Slovakia on Saturday, but this time they convincingly beat the side who had stunned the Irish in Nicosia.

Jason Koumas headed the first; Robert Earnshaw stabbed home the second, and then Craig Bellamy lobbed an excellent third – his first goal for his country in 20 months. Yiannakis Okkas’ late chip failed to spoil the Welsh party.

Also in Group D, Germany had an unexpectedly easy win, 4-1 over Slovakia in Bratislava.

Goals from Lukas Podolski, Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack and Bastian Schweinsteiger in the first half ensured the visitors maintained their 100% Group D record.

Sunderland defender Stanislav Varga managed a consolation but Podolski’s second goal ensured Germany stayed well in control.