Sunday saw Arsenal new boy Lukas Podolski reach 100 caps for his country and marked the occasion with a goal as Germany confirmed their finish as Group B winners at Euro 2012.
The forward reached his international ton at the age of 27 and will provide the Gunners with a wealth of international experience once he arrives at the Emirates Stadium on July 1 when the transfer window opens.
In honour of his accomplishments, WTTGT takes a look at Podolski’s top five moments in a Germany shirt.
5. Young Prospect
At number five is the moment when it all started for Podolski. After opting to play for Germany instead of Poland, he made his first appearance for the Germans in a 2-0 friendly defeat to Hungary in June 2004. The then-19-year-old came on as a late substitute in Kaiserslautern to become the first second-division player to play for the national side since 1975 as he picked up the first of what was to be many caps.
4. Awesome Foursome
The Gunners hitman’s fourth best moment came in a Euro 2008 qualifying match against San Marino. Podolski netted four times in Germany’s 13-0 win over the minnows to become one of only four players to ever score four goals for his country. He bagged a double in each half as the German’s went on to thrash their opponents.
3. Sweden brace
Third place sees Podolski score both goals as Germany beat Sweden 2-0 to advance to the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup in his home country. The brace came in the opening 12 minutes of the match, which made him only the third player ever to accomplish the feat and the first since 1962. The Germans went on to finish third in the tournament, with Podolski racking up three goals in the competition.
2. 2006 World Cup Best Young Player
In second is the moment where the former FC Koln and Bayern Munich striker was awarded the 2006 World Cup’s Best Young Player. At the age of 21, the striker scored his first ever World Cup goal in the final group game against Ecuador before going on to score twice in their last 16 victory over Sweden. Podolski won the award ahead of the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
1. 100 caps and a goal
Podolski’s best moment for Germany has to be his most recent contribution to the side. Their third and final Group B match at Euro 2012 saw him crown his 100th appearance for his nation with a goal which gave them the lead in the 2-1 win over Denmark. He was substituted in the 64h minute and received a standing ovation. During his 100 caps for Germany, Podolski scored 44 goals and reached the milestone at the age of just 27. Simply wunderbar.
Matt Cotton
@FindingCotton
Cant wait to see him play for Arsenal