U-20 FIFA World Cup: Germany ease past Fiji

Niklas Stark of Germany scores one of his two goals in his side's 8-1 win over Fiji this afternoon. Photo / Getty Images

It was expected to be little more than a romp and it proved as much for Germany as they hammered Fiji 8-1 in their Under-20 World Cup encounter in Christchurch today.

Fiji were making their maiden appearance at an Under-20 World Cup and they showed few nerves in the opening stages but the floodgates opened in the 18th minute and the minnows had no answer.

Germany were six goals up by halftime - they scored five in a mad 16-minute flurry during the middle of the first spell - as their superior class shone through.

They're one of the favourites to take the title in New Zealand and some of the skill on display would have proven challenging for many teams to negotiate, not just Fiji.

The Pacific Island nation had their moment in the sun though when 19-year-old Iosefo Verovou scored a goal early in the second half, much to the dismay of German goalkeeper Marvin Schwaebe who had his clean sheet blotted.

The rout continued in the second spell and Hany Mukhtar, who plays for Portuguese club Benfica, completed his hat-trick with a late penalty. Germany shape as the likely winners in Group F.

Germany 8 (Niklas Stark 18, 27, Marc Stendera 20 pen, Grischa Proemel 23, Hany Mukhtar 34, 40, 89 pen, Marvin Stefaniak 68)

Fiji 1 (Iosefo Verovou 48)

Halftime: 6-0