The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)

Podolski marks his Germany farewell with winner against England

Germany: Striker hits stunning goal to end Southgate’s unbeaten record

- SiMon peach

England promised much but Gareth Southgate’s first match as permanent manager ended in defeat last night as Lukas Podolski marked his final Germany appearance with a stunning winner.

Handed the reins after an encouragin­g four-match interim stint, the former defender deployed a bold, attack-minded side built upon a three-man backline and got a decent response in Dortmund.

England looked comfortabl­e in possession and a far larger threat than the World Cup winners, only to be caught cold as Podolski’s 130th and final Germany appearance ended with a fairytale strike that secured a 1-0 win.

Southgate’s experiment­al three-man defence worked well and his attackers’ intensity caused no end of problems, with Adam Lallana hitting the post as England looked to turn first-half dominance into an opening goal.

Germany lacked such force in their play as the focus on Podolski’s final appearance seemed to take the edge off their play, only for the former Arsenal man to wind back the years by unleashing a stunning 25-yard goal.

It was a fitting end to a fine internatio­nal career on a night of promise for England, even if it ended Southgate’s four-match unbeaten run as manager.

T here was a sombre mood around the Three Lions camp before the match, with Southgate saying the Westminste­r terror attack “puts football into perspectiv­e”.

The Football Associatio­n chose to mark the attack in Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Lithuania instead of at Signal Iduna Park, where the hosts said farewell to popular forward Podolski.

The former Arsenal man’s heartfelt speech delayed kick-off in Dortmund and brought a testimonia­l feel to the occasion.

Jamie Vardy spearheade­d Southgate’s high-pressing side, failing to win an early penalty as he proved a handful for a defence struggling to contain Lallana and Dele Alli’s movement.

Debutant Michael Keane lashed over from a corner as the Three Lions pushed for an opener with surprising aggression, while Jake Livermore, winning his second cap 1,680 days after his debut, held firm in the middle.

Eric Dier – the matchwinne­r in Berlin last March – then headed a corner goalwards but Marc-Andre ter Stegen gather comfortabl­y.

England’s bright start nearly brought a deserved opener in the 31st minute as Lallana went on a marauding run down the left. Showing few ill-effects of his lung- busting run, the attacking midfielder’s low shot beat Ter Stegen but rebounded off the far post.

Vardy was well-placed to turn the ball home had Lallana passed on a night when the home fans were far more interested in cheering everything Podolski did.

Debutant Timo Werner would have given Germany something to enjoy had he picked Joe Hart’s pocket, but the goalkeeper kept possession with a Cruyff turn.

Dier failed with a 20-yard free-kick and Ter Stegen held firm to deny an admittedly poor Dele finish before half-time.

Julian Brandt fizzed a shot wide and Podolski nearly latched onto a ball into the box after the break, although England were still pushing for a goal themselves.

Livermore’s quietly impressive performanc­e continued by winning possession and feeding Vardy down the right, but Dele was unable to latch onto the resulting cross at the far post.

Dier was denied by Ter Stegen and then Dele blocked from a corner, before Andre Schurrle shot across the face of goal.

Podolski then gave the public what they wanted with a 69th minute goal.

Toni Kroos’ pass was laid off by Schurrle into the path of the 31-year-old, who made space for himself before rifling home an outstandin­g left-footed drive.

Hart then did well to prevent Leroy Sane finding the net after wriggling free, while substitute John Stones’ timely block prevented the hosts doubling their lead as England suffered a first defeat under Southgate.

 ??  ??
 ?? Getty. ?? Lukas Podolski celebrates his winning goal; below left, England manager Gareth Southgate; right: Adam Lallana battles with Toni Kroos.
Getty. Lukas Podolski celebrates his winning goal; below left, England manager Gareth Southgate; right: Adam Lallana battles with Toni Kroos.
 ??  ??
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom