Berlin, September 1: Riding on second-half goals from Max Meyer and Mesut Oezil, Germany gave a befitting farewell to skipper Bastian Schweinsteiger by defeating Finland 2-0 in an international football friendly tie at the Borussia-Park here.
After 12 years in Germany's dress and 24 goals in 121 caps, Schweinsteiger stepped back from the national squad on Wednesday and bid goodbye to his supporters ahead of the kick-off against Finland, reports Xinhua.
"It means a lot to me that each one of you is here. I would like to thank the whole national team. It was a great honour to play for Germany," Schweinsteiger, who was moved to tears, said to the 30,121 fans at the stadium.
After the ceremony, Germany took the reins from the kick-off as Finland defended deep in their territory.
Germany approached Finland's goal for the first time dangerously when custodian Lukas Hradecky had to defuse Meyer's long-range effort in the 14th minute.
Three minutes later, Shkodran Mustafi headed from promising position over the target.
Joachim Loew's men dictated the pace but lacked in penetration and ideas to overcome Finland's well-positioned defence.
However, Germany should have opened the scoring with 32 minutes into the game but Mario Goezte missed the open goal after rounding goalkeeper Hradecky.After the half time, Germany continued to press whereas Finland showed no interest to threat the hosts' defence. Nevertheless, Finland's Teemu Pukki missed a square pass at the far post out of the blue.
Germany were finally able to turn their efforts into a tangible reward as Meyer tapped home Goetze's low cross into the box in the 55th minute.
Goetze was in the thick of things 10 minutes later but his shot on target was blocked once again.
In the 67th minute, Schweinsteiger was replaced by Julian Weigl to complete his last match in Germany's national dress.
[caption id="attachment_73189" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger waves to supporters during a farewell ceremony prior a friendly soccer match between Germany and Finland in Moenchengladbach, Germany, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016. The captain plays his last match for the national team. AP/PTI[/caption]
The hosts kept it bowling and doubled the lead through Oezil, who made the game safe after slotting home Goetze's assist in the 77th minute.
Finland had the chance to reduce the arrears in the closing period but Bernd Leno denied Pukki following a one-on-one situation. Germany will now travel to Norway to start the World Cup play-offs on Sunday.
Neuer named Germany captain
Manuel Neuer has been named Germany captain following Bastian Schweinsteiger's retirement from international duty.
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper assumes the armband with immediate effect, his first game leading the national team set to be Germany's opening match of World Cup qualifying against Norway on Sunday.
Schweinsteiger's illustrious international career came to an end on Wednesday as Germany beat Finland 2-0 in Monchengladbach, the midfielder winning his 121st and final cap.
The 32-year-old took over the captaincy when Philipp Lahm retired following the 2014 World Cup, but he announced his intention to step away from the international game after Germany were eliminated from Euro 2016.
Mats Hummels had been touted as his successor, but coach Joachim Low has opted for 30-year-old Neuer.
"As a national team we are in the fortunate position to have several leading players who have a captain's profile," said Low.
"For me Manuel Neuer is the logical successor of Bastian Schweinsteiger.
"He brings everything that I want from a captain. His sporting achievements are outstanding, Manuel is always there for the team, he is a team player and an absolute role model. "There are also his great human qualities. He accepts responsibility, he is calm and collected. Manuel is highly regarded, his word has weight."
Neuer, who has 71 caps, is the second goalkeeper to captain Germany after Oliver Kahn.
"For me it is a great honour," he said. "It makes me proud to be captain of the team, but we all know that we need several leading players on the pitch if we are to succeed."
