Germany warm up for World Cup tests by beating South Africa

COLOGNE - Goals in each half from Mario Gomez and Mesut Ozil gave Germany a 2-0 victory over World Cup hosts South Africa in a friendly international in Cologne Saturday.

Gomez struck from close range in the 36th minute for a well-worked goal in which Ozil combined with Michael Ballack before the Germany captain crossed low for the Stuttgart striker to finish.

Werder Bremen midfielder Ozil, playing his first game from the start, crowned a bright performance by adding a second in the 77th minute from a pass by substitute Miroslav Klose.

It was good all-round performance by the German side who take on Azerbaijan in a World Cup qualifier in Hanover Wednesday before decisive qualifiers next month against Russia and Finland.