Germany vs. Finland: Score and Reaction from 2016 International Friendly

Bastian Schweinsteiger played his final game for Germany and helped his nation to a 2-0 win over Finland in an international friendly played at Borussia-Park, Monchengladbach, on Wednesday.

Hosts Germany dominated the first half but couldn't make the breakthrough until after the break. It took a tap-in from Max Meyer and an own goal by Paulus Arajuuri to seal the win and give Schweinsteiger an ideal send-off.

Schweinsteiger was making his 121st international appearance, and BBC Sport showed his emotions as he received a standing ovation before kick-off:

The midfield general skippered a strong Germany side, although Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil began on the bench. However, new Gunners centre-back Shkodran Mustafi was included in the starting XI, per the national team:

DW Sports revealed the Finnish lineup:

Germany pressed early with forward Kevin Volland just overhitting a through pass for Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Mario Gotze. But it was Mustafi who had the best chance of the early stages, heading over from a Meyer free-kick after just 18 minutes.

The Finns were generally content to stay in their shape and let Germany pass themselves into cul-de-sacs of defenders. Still, Germany should have gone ahead just after the half-hour mark when Gotze was played in after making another terrific run off the flank.

Unfortunately, the diminutive schemer delayed his shot after rounding the goalkeeper, and the chance was gone.

Yet Germany were getting closer, with winger Karim Bellarabi causing problems whenever he cut inside. Fellow Bayer Leverkusen attacker Julian Brandt was also posing a threat, picking many smart passes between the lines.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Even so, the first half ended goalless despite the duo's forward-thinking intent. Germany needed some inspiration, and it seemed like the perfect moment to introduce some of the nation's heavy hitters off the bench.

Manager Joachim Low stuck with his outfield options, though, merely swapping out goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen for Bernd Leno.

There was a scare for Arsenal fans when the impressive Mustafi went over on his ankle early in the second half. The 24-year-old received treatment but soon appeared able to run the injury off to the relief of Gunners supporters everywhere.

Germany took the lead less than 10 minutes after the restart, when Gotze whipped a low cross in from the right. A clever feint by Volland left it for Meyer to tap in from close range.

FourFourTwo's Jonathan Harding saluted the effort of Meyer, who represented his country at this summer's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro:

Ozil soon entered the fray, but the real moment came when Schweinsteiger officially bowed out after 66 minutes. He was replaced by Dortmund's deep-lying playmaker Julian Weigl.

DW Sports took a moment to honour Schweinsteiger's exceptional international career:

Ozil helped double Germany's lead when his pull-back in the box took a deflection and eventually went in off Arajuuri.

Germany then proceeded to see the game out at a steady pace, clearly saving themselves for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Norway in Oslo on Sunday.

Afterwards, Low paid tribute to Schweinsteiger, per FC Bayern English:

Meanwhile, Schweinsteiger revelled in the occasion, per the same source:

Schweinsteiger merited such a dignified farewell from the international stage. As talented as the squad is, Germany won't find it easy to replace the player who has been the heartbeat of their team.