Germany increased its lead at the top of the table by 5 points with a 2-1 victory over Slovakia in a match which saw both sides exchange own goals.

German coach Joachim Low had expressed his faith that Werder Bremen striker Miroslav Klose will be returning to form, even though media reports were filled with an alleged training spat between the Werder Bremen striker and teammate Torsten Frings. Klose thanked his coach by providing the touch that led to Germany taking the lead in the 10th minute.

The German team started the match without their inspirational captain Michael Ballack, Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger. However Marcell Jansen and Clemens Fritz consistently threatened the Slovakia goal by some impressive performances on the wings.

Jansen played a key role in Germany taking the lead, bursting thorough the left wing and crossing the ball into the area. Martin Skrtl made a weak attempt to clear the ball and Klose found himself in possession inside the Slovakian penalty area. However before the 28-year old striker attempted a shot, Slovakian defender Jan Durica made a mess of tackling the ball and instead put it in his own net.

Germany returned the favor 10 minutes later when Christoph Metzelder efforts at clearing the ball from the feet of Matej Krajciek went straight past Jens Lehmann into the net. Slovakia had a great chance to take the lead, but Lehmann made an excellent save to keep out Marek Sapara's effort in the 29th minute.

Germany seemed to have lost the earlier advantage over Slovakia are were increasing getting frustrated over not able to create any chances. However Low's wing play tactics once again bore fruit just 2 minutes before half time. Philipp Lahm took possession outside the area and looked to line himself for a shot. However the Bayern Munich defender chipped the ball to Thomas Hitzlsperger and the Stuttgart midfielder made no mistake in heading the ball into the net.

Germany settled down in the second half and made couple of half hearted attempts to increase the lead. But Low's team managed to hold on to the lead and claim a priceless victory, which sees them increase the lead over second-placed Czech Republic, by 5 points with just 5 matches left to be played. Germany next face an away fixture to Wales in September. Germany v Slovakia ended with a 2-1 home win.