Lukas Podolski made his final bow on the international stage with a trademark cracker. The former FCB player scored a real wonder goal in the friendly with England to secure a 1-0 win over the old enemy. The 31-year-old’s cracker from 25 yards flew into the top corner with 20 minutes remaining.
Mats Hummels and Joshua Kimmich both started in Dortmund to ensure a clean sheet for the reigning world champions, while Thomas Müller came off the bench with 15 minutes remaining. Manuel Neuer had to withdraw from the Germany squad for this international period with a calf problem, and Jerome Boateng also stayed in Munich after only recently returning from his long-term injury.
The Germans found things tough in the first half because of England’s early pressing, and were slightly lucky not to find themselves behind. Die Mannschaft only really found their feet after the restart, but chances were still hard to come by – until the 69th minute. Toni Kroos played the ball into Podolski in the centre, who controlled the ball with his right foot before his sweet strike. It was his 49th goal in his 130th and final international appearance. Germany then went on to control the game in the closing stages to see the game out.
Hummels, Kimmich, Müller and co. now have a World Cup qualifier to look forward to on Sunday. Azerbaijan are the next opponents on the road to Russia 2018 (kick-off 18:00CET).
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