Germany leads Australia 2-0 at halftime after goals from Podolski, Klose at World Cup

Germany leads Australia 2-0 at halftime in WCup

DURBAN, South Africa — Germany went into halftime with a 2-0 lead against Australia in their World Cup match Sunday after goals from Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose.

Podolski scored with a searing left-footed shot in the eighth minute of the Group D match, after Klose and Mesut Oezil had their drives stopped by Australia’s defense.

Podolski beat Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer with a fierce shot under the crossbar despite the keeper getting his hand on it.

Germany wasted more chances until Klose rose to head in a cross after 26 minutes for his 11th World Cup goal, tying him on Germany’s all-time list in second place with Juergen Klinsmann.

Australia squandered a chance four minutes into the game at Moses Mabidha Stadium in Durban.