Soccer-World-Germany lead 10-man Sweden 2-0 at halftime

MUNICH, June 24 (Reuters) Lukas Podolski scored two goals in the first 12 minutes to give hosts Germany a 2-0 lead over 10-man Sweden at halftime in their World Cup second round match today.

Sweden were reduced to 10 men in the 35th minute when defender Teddy Lucic was sent off for a second yellow card.

Podolski put the hosts in front in the fourth minute, pouncing on a loose ball after fellow striker Miroslav Klose ran at the Sweden defence and forced goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson to make a diving block.

Podolski scored his third goal of the tournament eight minutes later with a powerful low shot. He was set up nicely by Klose, who created space by drawing three defenders before slipping the ball back to Podolski.

REUTERS SB RK2210