The German striker marked his last game with a beautiful strike in a 1-0 win over Gareth Southgate's England.
The international friendly tonight in Dortmund between Germany and England was not actually Lucas Podolski’s testimonial but that is what it seemed like. Pre match speeches, visual displays from the crowd and emotional music when he was substituted late in the game – all adding to the occasion.
The icing on the cake came in the 69th minute when the man himself hit a peach from outside the box, which nestled in the top corner. In what had been a fairly nondescript match up until that point, Podolski's opener was the only goal in what was Germany's third win in four matches against England.
The trade mark left footed effort was a fitting ending to a very successful international career; the Germany and Galatasaray striker finally bowed out with a record of 130 caps and 49 goals.
However, the goal was against the run of play, with England, captained by Gary Cahill in Wayne Rooney's absense, being the better team for the majority of the game. They could turn their superior posession into goals though and Southgate's squad will now look ahead to the World Cup Qualifier against Lithuania on Sunday.
