Midfielder Piotr Trochowski from Hamburg scored the only goal in the second half, helping Germany seal three wins and one draw out of four group matches.

Boasting 10 points, the European runners-up are now leading Group 4.

In a sold-out Borussia Park Stadium, Germany encountered intensive disciplined defense from the guests during the first half. Despite repeated offensives and shots, dominant Germans found it was difficult to crack the fingers of Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

The deadlock was broken by Trochowski, who fired an unstoppable shot past Hennessey in the 72nd minute after his repeated disguised movements bewildered Welsh defenders.

Germany finally had the lead they deserved, and with the floodgates broken it appeared they might run away with the match when Ballack hit the post from a free-kick moments later.

But Wales refused to capitulate and with 10 minutes remaining wasted a glorious chance to draw, when Bellamy raced away down the left and found Chris Gunter with his cut-back.

The 19-year-old couldn't quite cultivate a shooting opportunity, however, and as the attack clumsily faltered, so did Wales' hopes of leaving Germany with a point.

"We are really pleased to have finished the year with six points from the win over Russia (last Saturday) and Wales, it puts us in a good position for next year," said German coach Joachim Loew after the game.

Their third win from four qualifying games means Germany are now on 10 points with Russia - who beat Finland 3-0 in Moscow yesterday - and plucky Wales lagging behind on six each.

"We failed to score an early goal and made life a bit hard for ourselves," said German captain Michael Ballack.

"In the first-half, we lacked the concentration and a bit of finishing, but things were better in the second-half," he added.