Podolski says goodbye with goal

DORTMUND, Germany — In his last international game in a 13-year career, Lukas Podolski struck a brilliant winning goal to sign off by giving Germany a 1-0 win over England in a friendly on Wednesday.

Podolski led the side out as captain for the first time in his last international. He hammered the ball to the top right corner from 25 metres to win it with just over 20 minutes remaining.

England goalkeeper Joe Hart was given no chance. Podolski had a look of incredulity as he wheeled away to celebrate. “I don’t know how much he paid for the England goalkeeper to let it in,” Podolski’s teammate Thomas Mueller joked.

“Normally fairy tales don’t happen in football,” England coach Gareth Southgate said.

Podolski, 31, had been honoured before his 130th game for Germany. He received a standing ovation when he went off in the closing stages and joined fans to return their affection after the game.

“The way it ended today was like a film,” Podolski said. “We win 1-0 and I score the thing.”