Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 10y

Win was for Schumacher - Podolski

Lukas Podolski dedicated Germany's 4-0 World Cup win over Portugal to former F1 driver Michael Schumacher, who has awoken from a coma after almost six months.

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Schumacher, one of Germany's all-time sporting greats, has been discharged from the Grenoble University hospital in Switzerland almost six months after a skiing accident to continue his recovery at a rehabilitation clinic.

In quotes reported by the Guardian, Podolski said news of his progress had inspired Germany, adding: "He is a good friend of mine, and it is important to all of us to hear the news that he's come out of hospital. He's doing well and he's getting better."

The Arsenal forward, who came on as a second half substitute added: "In the end, it [the victory] was for him. He's a good guy, and he's also crazy about football. Maybe he watched the game or he knew about the result."

Podolski also posted a selfie with Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel, a frequent guest at big Germany games, visited the dressing room to congratulate the players.

Head coach Joachim Low cut a TV interview short to welcome the chancellor, and in quotes reported by SID he said: "She gave a short speech, and there was a big round of applause. We always find it marvellous when she visits. It's a nice gesture."

"She said she'll be back for the final," Podolski told Bild.

During her visit to Brazil, Merkel spent time at a sports camp for youngsters from favelas.

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