Podolski saves Germany from defeat against Australia.

The Inter striker scored the equalizer in the final minutes of the friendly match on March 25th, making the score 2-2.

Germany struggled to earn a draw against Australia. Photo: Reuters.

Podolski had a difficult start since joining Inter in January 2015. However, the 29-year-old striker still received the support of Germany's national team director Oliver Bierhoff and proved his knack for the national team.

Marco Reus opened the scoring for the reigning world champions in the 17th minute. However, Australia showed resilience, scoring two goals at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second to take the lead against Germany. The goalscorers for the Asian champions were James Troisi and captain Mile Jedinak. It wasn't until the 81st minute that Podolski equalized for Germany after coming on as a substitute.

Podolski nearly sealed the victory for Germany but his shot went wide of the post in a one-on-one situation with the Australian goalkeeper in the second minute of added time.

The draw against Australia at home in Kaiserslautern was a less than convincing performance from Germany, even though coach Joachim Low rested several key players. Schweinsteiger, Hummels, Boateng, and Kroos were all rested for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifying match against Georgia. Meanwhile, Hoger Badstuber and Ilkay Gundogan were included in the starting lineup despite both having only recently recovered from long-term injuries.

This was Germany's first match of 2015, and things seemed to be going smoothly when the home team took an early lead. Marco Reus stretched to finish after a well-placed pass from Khedira on the left wing. The Dortmund striker could have doubled the lead later when an Australian defender passed the ball to him just outside the penalty area, but Reus shot wide of the net.

Australia had just won the Asian Championship in early 2015, and their recent time playing together had helped them develop a well-coordinated playing style. Australia attacked openly rather than adopting a defensive, compact approach. This caught Germany by surprise and left them somewhat on the defensive.

Australia's simple yet effective style of play caused a surprise in Germany. Photo: Reuters.

Before conceding the first goal, Australia had two clear chances to open the scoring, but Mathew Leckie and Davidson's shots went wide of the post. In the 40th minute, Australia equalized 1-1 with a simple cross and header finished by James Troisi.

The equalizer at the end of the first half boosted the visitors' morale before they took the lead just five minutes into the second half. Mile Jedinak's free-kick from 20 yards beat goalkeeper Zieler.

After conceding two consecutive goals, Germany finally woke up and relentlessly pressed the visitors. However, it wasn't until the end of the match that coach Joachim Low's men equalized thanks to the substitutes Schurrle and Podolski. From a burst of speed down the left wing, Schurrle crossed the ball to Podolski, who finished from close range.

Starting lineup

Virtue:Zieler; Howedes, Badstuber, Mustafi, Hector; Khedira, Gundogan; Bellarabi, Ozil, Reus; Gotze.

Goal:Reus (17'), Podolski (81')

Australia:Ryan; Davidson, Devere, Wilkinson, Franjic; Jedinak; Troisi, McKay, Milligan, Leckie; Burns.

Goal:Troisi 40', Jedinak 50'

According to VNE