It was like watching the “old” Podolski once again in Kaiserslautern, after his late equaliser secured a 2-2 draw for Germany against Asian champions Australia. All the built up frustration disappeared as the beaming 29 year old thanked the 47,106 fans in the Fritz-Walter-Stadion for their “Lu-kas Po-dols-ki" chants.
But later on as he talked to reporters in the catacombs of the stadium, he urged for caution. “Let’s not get carried away”, he said, because he’s wary of people re-applying his hero status too soon. “To forget everything after 15 minutes” would be wrong, stressed Podolski. “The last few months have been the opposite for me.” So he is enjoying the moment quietly for now.
It was, however, a triumph. The public questioned manager Joachim Löw’s decision to include the striker in the starting XI for Germany’s first match of 2015. Podolski has barely had an impact for Inter Milan, as was the case before with Arsenal FC. In his last eleven games since January, he hasn't scored a single goal and Inter supposedly want ride of him already.
Löw justfied calling Podolski up to the national squad, in which he has been an ever-present part of since his debut in Kaiserslautern eleven years ago, insisting that Podolski is still “capable” of delivering his “high quality”.
48 goals for Germany in 122 games
Podolski’s inclusion on Wednesday proved correct. After his substitute (73 mins) he invigorated the World Champions and unleashed his famous left foot in the 81st minute to make it 2-2. It was his 48th game in 122 games for Germany and with that he overtook legends Rudi Völler and Jürgen Klinsmann. “His record says it all”, praised Löw, whilst stand in captain Sami Khedira added, “He showed that you should never write him off. Lukas is full of life, he’s thirsty for action. He would be good for any team”.
On that note André Schürrle, who is suffering from a dip on form at the moment, springs to mind. “I’m trying to get my confidence back as quickly as possible. Playing for the national team helps”, said Schürle. The same could be said for Podolski, who doesn’t want to discuss a lack of confidence. “Should I just roll over and stop playing football?”, he asked rhetorically, “I’m always positive, even though I’m not scoring in Italy.”
As a result, Löw has advised him to find another club. “Lukas hasn't played much recently. It would be good if that changes”, he said. Sporting director Oliver Bierhoff believes that Podolski could “rediscover his instinctiveness and happiness” at another club. Kaiserslautern was just a first step, nothing more. On Sunday in Georgia, when there are points at stake for European Championship qualification, Podolski will most likely return to the bench. This time, however, without any frustration.
