Germany send out message with Netherlands win

Germany sent out a strong statement of intent with their final match of 2011 as they defeated the Netherlands 3-0 in a friendly in Hamburg. Goals from Thomas Müller and Miroslav Klose did the damage in the first half, with Mesut Özil completing the rout midway through the second period. The fans witnessed a furious start, with Klose and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar both missing early opportunities. Germany got into their stride quickest, however, and Müller's opener came after 15 minutes, the FC Bayern München man finishing from close range after being picked out by Klose's volley across the box. The Netherlands pushed to regain their footing, Dirk Kuyt missing with a 25th-minute volley, but brilliant play from Germany soon brought a second goal. Ever the aerial threat, Klose added another excellent header to his burgeoning international tally, nodding Özil's cross into the bottom right-hand corner to double the German advantage – a lead that their smart possession play deserved. The Oranje found little joy after the restart, and struggled to break down a well-organised German outfit. The hosts restricted their opponents to long-range efforts, with Wesley Sneijder and Ryan Babel trying their luck without success. The Germans then stepped up a gear and the 66th-minute brought a third goal; this time Klose worked the ball across goal, leaving a simple finish for Özil. Gregory van der Wiel forced Manuel Neuer into a 74th-minute save, but that was to be the sum total from the Dutch attack and a clean sheet enhanced Germany’s emphatic victory. Germany: Neuer, Badstuber (Hummels 46), Mertesacker,Aogo, Boateng (Höwedes 65), Kroos (Rolfes 82), Khedira (Bender 88), Özil, Podolski (Götze 65), Müller, Klose (Reus 82). Netherlands: Stekelenburg, Mathijsen, Heitinga, Braafheid, Van der Wiel, Strootman (N de Jong 64), Van Bommel, Sneijder (L de Jong 87), Kuyt (Wijnaldum 88), Babel, Huntelaar (Beerens 76).