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Germany maintained their all-but flawless push for World Cup qualification with a 2-0 victory over a gutsy Wales side at the Millennium Stadium.

However, German coach Joachim Loew's satisfaction will be tempered by an on-field bust-up between Michael Ballack and Lukas Podolski, who slapped his captain across the face following a brief argument.

Ballack had earlier lashed a stunning 35-yard shot into the top corner to open the scoring for the visitors in just the 11th minute.

However, Wales had reason to feel aggrieved as the goal came immediately from a throw wrongly awarded to Germany, leaving half-a-dozen players remonstrating with the referee and linesman.

Germany sealed the game with a second fortunate goal shortly after half-time when Ashley Williams diverted a cross into his own goal at the near post.

The second-ranked FIFA nation sit four points clear of Russia at the top of Group 4 with five wins from six matches while Wales lie fourth with six points from as many games.

Wales coach John Toshack had been forced in to changes from the side that lost so miserably to Finland at the weekend, with skipper Craig Bellamy ruled out earlier in the day due to the recurrence of a knee problem, while Jason Koumas was out with a hip problem.

Germany started with purpose, possession and movement, although to their credit Wales were running and fighting for every ball as the Germans' passing game threatened to overrun them.

Ballack's stunning swerving shot from the disputed throw left Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey grasping at air as it whistled into the top corner, but Wales refused to give up on their task.

Arsenal youngster Aaron Ramsey, on his full international debut and up against Ballack in midfield, was looking for space and trying to keep possession of the ball and had two efforts on goal charged down on the edge of the box.

Wales had a decent chance to equalise after 21 minutes. Sam Ricketts crossed from the right, Sam Vokes headed down and Robert Earnshaw saw his close-range effort superbly blocked by Robert Enke in the Germany goal.

Joe Ledley then surged into the box to be brought down by Serdar Tasci, and the defender looked to handle the ball as he fell, although the referee ruled in the visitors' favour.

Hennessey saved superbly from a fierce effort from Podolski just before half-time, the Germans looking dangerous every time they came forward, their full-backs surging into the space down the flanks.

After an encouraging first half, Wales did not need another stroke of bad luck only three minutes into the second period, but that is exactly what happened.

Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez did superbly to keep the ball in play before crossing low to the near post - where Williams' out-stretched boot diverted the ball past Hennessey for Germany's second.

Germany were content to sit back with their two-goal cushion and try to hit Wales on the counter, although Wales continued to push players forward gamely, occasionally threatening.

However, despite pushing until the final minute, Toshack's side could not manage to claim a consolation goal, though they can take heart from a much-improved performance.

Russia strengthened their grip on second place in Group 4 with a 1-0 win over lowly Liechtenstein.

Midfielder Konstantin Zyryanov scored the only goal after 38 minutes but Russia failed to finish off their hard-working opponents despite dominating possession.

Guus Hiddink's Euro 2008 semi-finalists began the night four points behind group leaders Germany with a game in hand. Germany were also in action away to Wales.

Bottom-placed Liechtenstein are yet to score a goal in the group, their only point coming from a 0-0 draw with Azerbaijan.

Alex Sharratt / Eurosport / Reuters