Germany warm up for World Cup qualifying with 2-0 defeat of Finland

Madrid, Sept.1, (GNA/dpa) - World champions Germany warmed up for the start of 2018 World Cup qualifying Wednesday with a 2-0 home defeat of Finland, on second-half goals from Max Meyer and Mesut Ozil.

The match, played in Moenchengladbach, was a farewell homage to veteran Bastian Schweinsteiger, who at the age of 32 is stepping down after 12 years of midfield service for Germany.

Schweinsteiger was given a thunderous standing ovation when he was subbed in the 67th minute.

Afterwards, striker Thomas Mueller - who played alongside Schweinsteiger so often for Germany and Bayern Munich - said: "I'm already a little sad that I won't be on the pitch with him fighting for victories any more."

Germany will start their qualifying for 2018 away to Norway Sunday.

Also Wednesday, 2018 hosts Russia played out a 0-0 draw in Turkey, with coach Stanislav Cherchesov making his debut on the Russian bench.

"I saw some promising things tonight, there is a useful base for me to build on," Cherchesov said.

"But I also saw some mistakes that we will need to try to eliminate."

Cherchesov has taken over from Leonid Slutsky, after Russia's poor performances at Euro 2016.

Meanwhile, Ireland thumped Oman 4-0, with a brace from Jonathan Walters after early strikes from Robert Brady and another retiring veteran Robbie Keane.

It was the last game for Keane, 36, in the green of Ireland, after 146 appearances and the remarkable tally of 68 goals.

"It was very tough - it was an emotional night for me. I just want to thank everyone who came along to support me and tell them that I've enjoyed every minute of my 18 years with the team," the hugely popular Keane said.

"Everyone wanted me to score and I'm delighted to finish off in this way. I look forward to now sitting back and watching the team as a fan."

Earlier on, the Czech Republic and Denmark enjoyed pleasant home defeats of minnows Armenia and Liechtenstein respectively.

Ladislav Krejci, Vaclav Kadlec and Jan Kopic all scored for the Czechs in the 3-0 thrashing of Armenia in what was a promising debut for new national coach Karel Jarolim, whose team face champions Germany in World Cup qualifying.

Meanwhile, Denmark went two better by caning Liechtenstein 5-0, with a brace from Nicolai Joergensen followed by goals from Andreas Cornelius, Viktor Fischer and, finally, Jens Stryger Larsen.

In contrast, Norway lost 1-0 at home to Belarus, on a goal against the run of play from Sergey Krivets.

GNA