From Cologne to the World: Lukas Podolski and the 2006 World Cup
Germany, The host nation of the 2006 World Cup, entered the competition with moderate expectations, but a squad packed with household names and upcoming sensations.
Mirsolav Klose, Philipp Lahm and Michael Ballack were touted to be the most exciting players in Die Mannschaft’s illustrious ranks, but one young man who wasn’t even born in Germany would go on to capture the hearts of a nation - Lukas Podolski.
With the city of Cologne already firmly in admiration of the young striker, Lukas surely would’ve eyed the World Cup as an opportunity to take his local acclaim to international heights.