Goals galore but Lithuania draw a blank

IT was a veritable goalfest in last night’s Euro 2012 qualifiers as some of Europe’s heavywights flexed their muscles.

Germany became the first team to qualify for the finals when they thrashed neighbours Austria 6-2 in Gelsenkirchen thanks in part to a hat-trick from Mesut Oezil.

Not to be outdone, Robin van Persie scored four goals as the Netherlands annihilated San Marino 11-0.

There was a boost for Scotland as Group I rivals Lithuania were held to a 0-0 draw by Liechtenstein. The result means the Baltic side are just one point ahead of Craig Levein’s side who have two games in hand ahead of Tuesday’s clash with them at Hampden.

Closer to home, Wales beat Montenegro 2-1, goals from Steve Morison and captain Aaron Ramsey giving them their first win of the Euro 2012 campaign at Cardiff City Stadium.

Northern Ireland went down 1-0 at home to Serbia after a horror back-pass from Rangers’ Steven Davis while the Republic drew 0-0 with Slovakia in Dublin.