Moscow - Ten-man Germany beat Russia 1-0 on Saturday to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.
Miroslav Klose's 35th-minute strike clinched the win and saw Germany stretch its lead at the top of qualifying Group 4 to four points - with one round of matches remaining.
The result means second-place Russia cannot catch Germany and will have to win a playoff match if it is to join the visitors in South Africa next year.
The three-time world champion had to play the final half hour without defender Jerome Boateng, who received two yellow cards.
Russia travels to Azerbaijan and Germany hosts Finland on Wednesday.
AFP report that world champions Italy guaranteed a defence of their title at the 2010 World Cup after securing automatic qualification for South Africa with a 2-2 draw against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
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