Fan favorite caps Germany career with stellar strike
DORTMUND, Germany — Lukas Podolski admitted his Germany farewell could not have been scripted better after netting a superb winner in Wednesday’s 1-0 friendly win over England.
It was only fitting that the Galatasaray forward should claim his 49th goal in his 130th — and final — international appearance to cap an emotional farewell.
“The way it finished up was like in a film,” said Podolski, who smashed home in the 69th minute before being substituted to thunderous applause with six minutes left.
“Dear God, or someone else, gave me a strong left foot and I used it tonight. I am proud of the last 13 years,” beamed Podolski, who will join Japan’s Vissel Kobe next season.
“It was a great game, a great result and a great way to say goodbye.”
Podolski captained the world champion to its first win over old rival England on home soil since 1987.
The victory was also sweet for Germany head coach Joachim Loew, who steered his country to a record seventh straight shutout, a streak that began after its Euro 2016 semifinal loss to France.
With Loew missing firststringers Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil, Marco Reus and Mario Gomez, Gareth Southgate’s England had the better of the host in the first half.
Adam Lallana’s powerful shot hit the post in the 30th minute, then Dele Alli forced goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen into a reflex save to keep it scoreless at the break.
However, Podolski, who had an underwhelming three years in England with Arsenal before moving to Turkey with Gala in 2015, turned the match Germany’s way.
Andre Schuerrle laid the ball off for the 31-year-old and his bullet left-footer from 25 meters gave keeper Joe Hart no chance.
Fairytale finish
“Normally fairytales don’t happen in football but that was one for him,” Southgate said of Podolski’s stunner.
“It’s an outstanding achievement in terms of the goals and caps he has.
“It was an incredible strike, but from Joe Hart’s point of view it was pretty unstoppable. Still, the result fulfilled a purpose for us.”
Podolski made his debut in 2004 and was ever-present during Loew’s decade in charge since taking the reins after the 2006 World Cup.
The former Cologne forward, affectionately known as ‘Poldi’, made only two appearances off the bench at the 2014 World Cup, but was an important motivating presence under Loew.
“The goal was typically Poldi, but special players deserve a special farewell like this, which was great for him,” said Loew.
“We had thought of taking him off earlier, but he said during the break that he wanted to play as long as possible.”
Loew included just three World Cup winners — Toni Kroos, Mats Hummels and Podolski — in his starting XI, with RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, 21, making his debut in an experimental lineup.
“We were very nervous in the first half, but some of them were playing together for the first time,” added Loew.
Both Kroos and substitute Thomas Mueller were delighted Podolski enjoyed such a memorable night.
“Things like that only happen in football,” said Kroos. “Against a backdrop like that came a goal like that — unbelievable.
“That wasn’t a goal they gifted to us. It was a lovely thing for Lukas. We showed as a team in the second half that we still have the quality, even when a few of us are missing.”
Mueller said it was a fitting end to a fitting career.
“I could not have written a better screenplay, even if it was a bit too cheesy for me as a director,” quipped Mueller.
“It wasn’t an unusual goal for him, but he should soak up the moment and enjoy it.
“Normally, a stadium is empty 10 minutes after the end of a match, but this time everyone wanted to see Lukas.
“If you have played 130 internationals, you have to have had something special.”