German women qualify for 2015

Germany's dominance of their group of the European qualifiers for the 2015 World Cup was rewarded with a spot at next year's tournament in Canada on Saturday after the German women's team dispatched Russia 4-1. It was the team's ninth win in as many matches, meaning the only thing on the line in their tenth and final qualifier – a home match against Ireland on September 17 – is their perfect record in the group.

Germany's astounding goal differential is an indication of the team's dominance in European football, but what the 60 goals scored and four conceded really show is that the real challenge will come next summer at the tournament in Cananda.

"I'm very happy," said coach Silvia Neid after the game. "Now we can head home feeling relaxed."

Russia's goal was a penalty from Xenia Zybutowitsch, awarded after German defender Kathrin Hendrich committed a foul on Russia's Jekaterina Sotschnewa just inside the area.

Otherwise, Germany's performance against Russia was, like the rest of qualification, nearly perfect. In addition to Sasic's three goals, Simone Laudehr added the fourth.

Germany have won the women's World Cup twice, in 2003 and 2007, and have eight European titles, including the most recent tournament in 2013, to their name.

The future looks bright too after the German U-20 women's team were recently crowned U-20 World Cup champions, beating Nigeria 1-0 at the tournament in August in Canada.

mz/jh (sid, dpa)