Football: Podolski Hits Germany Winner Against England To Sign Off In Style
Muhammad Rameez Published March 23, 2017 | 09:00 AM
DORTMUND, Germany, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Mar, 2017 ) - Lukas Podolski signed off his Germany career in style on Wednesday smashing home the winning goal with his trusty left boot to seal a 1-0 friendly victory over England.
It was only fitting that the Galatasaray forward, who joins Japan's Vissel Kobe next season, should claim his 49th goal on his 130th -- and final -- international appearance. "It was like in a movie, dear god gave me a strong left foot and I used it tonight," beamed Podolski.
"It was a great game, a great result and a great way to say goodbye." Podolski captained the world champions to their first win over old rivals England on home soil since 1987. The 31-year-old received a standing ovation in Dortmund after a pre-match presentation to mark his 13-year international career.
After his winning goal lit up an otherwise dull friendly on 69 minutes, Podolski came off to more thunderous applause with six minutes to go. "That gave me goosebumps to get a reception like that," added Podolski.
Before kick-off England manager Gareth Southgate paid tribute to the victims of Wednesday's London terror attack and said there was no question of cancelling the match. Southgate, who took the decision to drop Manchester United star Wayne Rooney from his squad, fielded a new-look side who had the better of the Germans in the first half.
West Bromwich Albion's Jake Livermore came in for injured Jordan Henderson while Leicester's Jamie Vardy took Harry Kane's place up front. Gary Cahill captained the team as part of a back three while James Ward-Prowse, Nathan Redmond and Michael Keane all made their debuts for the visitors.
Germany coach Joachim Loew also experimented by starting just three 2014 World Cup winners in Toni Kroos, Mats Hummels and Podolski. A fourth, Sami Khedira, dropped out hours before kick-off with a swollen ankle.
Striker Timo Werner, 21, earned his Germany debut after scoring 14 goals for RB Leipzig this season. Keane fired over in the early stages as England made a bright start and Adam Lallana's powerful shot hit the post with 30 minutes gone.
Podolski fired over Germany's best first-half chance after being set up by Manchester City's Leroy Sane. With half-time approaching Dele Alli forced Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen into a reflex save as it stayed goalless at the break.
Germany took control at the start of the second half with winger Julian Brandt firing wide. Podolski tested England goalkeeper Joe Hart, while Eric Dier forced ter Stegen, in for injured Manuel Neuer, into a diving save on 52 minutes.
But Podolski steered the friendly Germany's way with the superb winner on 69 minutes. A Kroos pass found replacement Andre Schuerrle, who laid the ball off for Podolski, whose bullet shot off his left foot gave Hart no chance from 25 metres out.
The goal breathed life into the hosts and only a good save denied Sane after a storming run into the area and the City midfielder had another late chance. Both teams have important World Cup qualifiers on Sunday. The teams are top of their respective groups for the matches on the road to Russia 2018 when England host Lithuania and Germany are away to Azerbaijan.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
HEC reviews curricula for environmental sciences degree programme
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
Two Kyiv hospitals evacuating over feared Russian strikes
World must act on neurotech revolution, say experts
Charles & Catherine's cancer diagnoses
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
King Charles to resume some public duties during cancer treatment: palace
US defense chief announces $6 bn in security aid for Ukraine
Heavy rains cause damage to Spezand-Taftan railway track
Woman stabbed in Israel, attacker killed: police
More Stories From Sports
-
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
9 hours ago -
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
9 hours ago -
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
9 hours ago -
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
9 hours ago -
Bagnaia hits back with record Jerez practice lap
9 hours ago -
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
9 hours ago
-
Shahzaib Rind calls on Deputy Speaker Balochistan
11 hours ago -
Inter-university weightlifting championship kicks off at SAU
11 hours ago -
T20 World Cup 2024 Trophy unveiling ceremony held
11 hours ago -
Football: Italian Serie A table
12 hours ago -
Football: French Ligue 1 table
13 hours ago -
New Zealand cricket CEO visits PSCA, expresses satisfaction over security arrangements
13 hours ago