Klose never allowed himself to be bigger than the game.

Some moments remain beyond forgiveness, because they wound belief itself.

Switzerland twice led in the contest, with Dan Ndoye and then Breel Embolo putting the hosts in front. But Germany pegged them back both times, with Wirtz the architect of each goal.

Football is a cruel poet. It can reduce an entire epic to a single line.

The Germans, already qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals set for March, crushed Bosnia and Herzegovina 7-0 on Saturday for a statement victory that secured first place in Group A3 ahead of the Netherlands with a game to spare.

His retirement follows those of Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller.

Some 60,000 Scottish fans are expected in Munich around the opening fixture, according to local officials.