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Is Podolski the German John Terry?

Lukas Podolski holds the World Cup aloft after contributing all of 55 minutes to Germany's success © Getty Images

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Former England captain John Terry might have been missing from the World Cup in Brazil, but one man was there to channel his spirit - Lukas Podolski.

Terry was widely ridiculed for appearing in full kit, including shinpads, as his Chelsea team-mates lifted the Champions League trophy in 2012, despite the fact he was unable to play in the final due to suspension.

And while the defender, who retired from international football two years ago, played no part in England's abject display in Brazil, Podolski was on hand to reignite memories of Terry's embarrassing celebration.

The forward was an unused substitute in Sunday's final, which saw his Germany team-mates overcome Argentina 1-0 in a nail-biting extra-time victory.

In Terry's defence, he was at least an integral part of the Chelsea side that reached the Champions League final before his suspension. Podolski, on the other hand, appears to have occupied the role of Joker-in-Chief for the Germans in Brazil.

The forward started just one game - against the USA in the group stage - and was an 82nd-minute substitute in the 4-0 rout of Portugal. In fairness, he did suffer a niggling injury in the knockout stage, but it was on social media that Podolski really shone for the Germans.

He put plenty of effort into his Twitter and Instagram feeds, even taking time out of (supposedly) flying the team home to post this picture:

Welcome on board. Captain Podolski is speaking. We're looking forward to seeing all our fans in Berlin! #lp10 #aha pic.twitter.com/cOMWLO38Fv

— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) July 14, 2014

He also shared kisses with Rihanna:

Podolski x RiRi x Shweinsteiger pic.twitter.com/Sq0HDFDcaB

— Rihanna (@rihanna) July 14, 2014

And German chancellor Angela Merkel:

Selfie 2…:-) pic.twitter.com/RJh7RnXXUw

— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) July 13, 2014

But of course this wasn't just a triumph for Podolski and Germany, it was a World Cup won by Arsenal:

Thanks to all AFC Fans, the Players and the whole staff for your nice wishes and support!! #afc #coyg #redarmy #poldi #aha #gooners #london

— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) July 14, 2014

Terry was mocked on social media for his Champions League celebration © Twitter

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