体坛英语新闻：Podolski admits "Idiot" after missing penalty in World Cup

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Germany forward Lukas Podolski admitted himself "the idiot", having failed to convert from the spot for their 1-0 defeat against Serbia in the World Cup Group D meeting here on Friday.

Joachim Loew's side, reduced to 10 men following the sending off of Miroslav Klose, were beaten thanks to a Milan Jovanovic goal in the 38th minute. Despite having chances, the Germans were unable to take anything from the game.

Podolski, who has 39 international goals to his name, believed that his team's failure to claim a point from the game is largely his fault.

"We are of course disappointed," the Koeln striker said, "I think that my penalty was not that bad, but the keeper reacted very good. If I score a goal with the penalty, we got one point. So that's my fault."

Germany's Lukas Podolski (R) shoots during the 2010 World Cup Group D soccer match between Germany and Serbia at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, on June 18, 2010. Germany lost the match 0-1.

"I think we played a good second half, having much more chances to score. I had the chance to score maybe three goals.

"Against Australia we scored with these chances (for a 4-0 win). But that's it. At one day you are the hero, and at another one you are the idiot."

The former Bayern Munich star was also disappointed with the referee's decision to send off Klose for two first half challenges.

"The yellow/red card was too hard in my opinion. But the referee decided and we have to live with this decision," he added.

Germany who won their opener 4-0 against Australia, now have three points from two games and really need a win from their final group game against Ghana to qualify for the last 16.

"Now we have to look forward to the match against Ghana," added Podolski