The AC Milan striker, whose last international goal had come in an unconvincing 3-1 win over the same opponents last October, started his hat-trick off an Ulf Kirsten pass in the second minute.

Germany captain Bierhoff gave the European champions a 4-0 lead in the 55th minute and scored again eight minutes from time.

Fellow striker Ulf Kirsten put Germany 2-0 up in the 27th minute and winger Marco Bode made it 3-0 seven minutes from the interval.

Substitute Mehmet Scholl scored Germany's fifth goal with a well-taken effort in the 71st minute after he jinked past two defenders to score from the corner of the box.

The hosts dropped their guard to allow midfielder Gheorghe Stratulat to score the visitors' only goal in the 76th minute.

Germany, who had started theircampaign for Euro 2000 with a 1-0 loss to Turkey, now top group three with 12 points from five games and a good goal difference. Their next qualifier is away to Finland on September 4.

Poland beat Bulgaria

WARSAW: Poland beat Bulgaria 2-0 in their Group Five in another European Championship qualifier last night to preserve their slim chance of qualifying for Euro 2000.

Midfielder Tomasz Hajto, who plays for MSV Duisburg, score the first goal, with a fierce shot following a corner kick in the 15th minute.

Striker Tomasz Iwan, from PSV Eindhoven, added the second after rounding the Bulgarian goalkeeper in the 62nd minute.

Poland have nine points from five games and trail leaders Sweden by three, but last night's victory took the Poles ahead of England by two points. England play Sweden today.y