Selfie with Merkel delights Podolski

Arsenal's Lukas Podolski delivered on his pre-match promise to get a dressing room photograph with German Chancellor Angela Merkel after Germany's rout of Portugal on Monday.

The 29-year-old Gunners star had previously said he wanted to get a selfie with the German leader, who was at Salvador's Arena Fonte Nova to watch the match which saw Thomas Mueller score a hat-trick.

The German leader visited the team dressing room to congratulate Joachim Loew's side on its 4-0 win in its opening Group G match and Podolski seized his chance.

"A 4-0 win, awesome start! And here's the promised selfie with the chancellor," he posted on Twitter with a picture of him beaming alongside Merkel.

Merkel's press spokesman Steffan Seibert later posted a picture on Twitter of the leader with the entire team.

"Congratulations - a perfect start to the tournament!" he Tweeted.

Loew said Merkel's visit capped a great day for Germany.

"She gave a little speech to say now nice it was that we won, especially after such a long trip here," said Loew.

"There was a lot of applause. We always like it when she comes to see us; she is always a nice guest to have."

(China Daily 06/18/2014 page24)