Klose: Podolski better than Ronaldo

KLAGENFURT, June 11 (Xinhua) -- German striker Miroslav Klose on Wednesday praised his teammate Lukas Podolski, who scored twice in Germany's opening match, saying Podolski even better than Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Ronaldo is important in the offensive, he merely passes ball in defensive. What Lukas has done against Poland, was worth more, as he worked on the defensive and attacked," Klose told the press.

After his strong performance against Poland, the Poland-born winger has been on everybody's lips in Germany.

"Poldi (Podolski) is even one step higher than currently perhaps the best footballer in the world," said Klose, who was also born in Poland.

However, Podolski had been mostly sitting on the bench in Bayern Munich during the past season. The 23-year-old was merely the third choice for Ottmar Hitzfeld, behind Italian striker Luca Toni and Klose.

Podolski did not have chance to play as a midfielder in Bayerneither, as French star Franck Ribery and Bastian Schweinsteiger were the first choices.

But in Germany's opening match in Euro 2008 on Sunday, coach Joachim Loew send Podolski to the pitch as a midfielder on the wing during the first half, and Podolski did an excellent job and scored.

"We are pleased that we have it, not only in the national team, but also in Bavaria," said Klose.