Germany scored three times in the last 16 minutes to secure a flattering 3-0 win over Tunisia in a lively Confederations Cup match on Saturday.

With the Group A game seemingly heading towards a goalless draw, Germany skipper Michael Ballack broke the deadlock with a 74th minute penalty after he was tripped by Wissem Abdi.

Six minutes later Bastian Schweinsteiger made it 2-0 when he rounded goalkeeper Ali Boumnijel and squeezed the ball home just inside the far post.

Mike Hanke, who had only been on the field for one minute after replacing Lucas Podolski in the 87th minute, made it 3-0 with two minutes to play.

It was Germany's second win in the tournament after their opening 4-3 victory against Australia and means they are almost assured of a semi-final place depending on the result of the day's later match between Argentina and Australia in Nuremberg.