An shorthanded German team contentedly defeated Malta today in a match that saw Mannschaft coach Joachim Loew hand international debuts to more than a few rising stars.

The Germany boss used a 4-3-3 configuration, with left-back Dennis Aogo earning his first international cap behind Toni Kroos and Lukas Podolski. On the right side, Andreas Beck earned a uncommon start at full-back, with Piotr Trochowski and Cacau more up the playing field.

It took just six minutes for the Germans to slice out their first opportunity on goal, and it would not be their last. After Toni Kroos wasted a free volley from 10 yards, Podolski missed a sitter, but Cacau made no mistake as he netted his first international goal. Following an Aogo cross, the Stuttgart hitman headed just inside the left post from 10 yards.

Thanks to imposing playmaking from Kroos, Trochowski, and the overlapping full-backs, Germany shaped many goalscoring opportunities for centre forward Stefan Kiessling, but luck was not with the Leverkusen striker. He first netted on 34 minutes, but was fairly flagged offside, and had a pair of close calls before looping a fairly simple tap-in over the bar.

Luck also avoided Kroos, who had a volley beautifully saved before failing to beat goalkeeper Justin Haber in a one-on-one state of affairs.

Regardless of seeing very little of the ball, Malta might have earned a half-time draw. Midway through the half, Andrew Cohen slipped into the box before Roderick Briffa was denied by an outstanding Manuel Neuer save. Moments before the half-time whistle, Cohen had a go from the right side of the box, but his shot flashed just wide of the far post.

In the 2nd half, Mats Hummels replaced Tasci for Germany, making his first international appearance as well. Minutes into the era, Kroos teed up Podolski, whose shot was blocked over the bar.

Germany would finally double their benefit after 58 minutes, following some outstanding run-up play. Kevin Grosskreutz, who had just replaced Kroos, slipped a brilliant ball to Podolski at the back the Maltese defence. With Haber running off his line, the wide forward pulled back for Cacau, who buried his shot into the net.

Three minutes later, Grosskreutz played one more terrific ball to Podolski, whose cross was slammed home by Kenneth Scicluna for one of the most forceful own-goals ever scored.

With the score 3-0, the Germans stepped a small piece off the assault, but did well to maintain control. Haber denied Cacau a hat trick before Grosskreutz flashed a shot just broad. With 18 minutes to go, Stefan Reinartz was also granted his international debut, replacing Sami Khedira.

For Malta, Cohen had a good possibility to pull one back on 62 minutes, but the ball was taken away by Trevor Cilia, who missed over the bar. Otherwise, the visitors had few opportunities going forward, as Neuer and his defenders were forever on hand to take care of extended clearances.

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