Lukas Podolski Has A Lethal Left Foot

Germany put together the early leader for best match of the World Cup with a 4-0 drubbing of Australia that, frankly, wasn’t even that close.

The German attack began early, with Lukas Podolski netting an unblockable Howitzer shot from just inside the left corner of the penalty box. No, actually, that description doesn’t do the shot a shred of justice. Footage is below for as long as the YouTube stays up.

In real time, from the first angle, it looks as if Podolski’s shot ricochets off goalie Mark Schwarzer’s head, and we’re mightily disappointed to inform you all that that is not the case. As you see later, the shot glances off the goalie’s hand en route to the back of the net. That is actually good news for Schwarzer; had he put a glove squarely on the ball, he’d have to keep goal with a severed hand.

In response to the goal, we’re hearing reports that German officials are investigating whether Podolski needs to carry a permit for his left foot.