this country

Hi,
“Podolski was given a presentation and delivered a speech that delayed the kick-off by several minutes while Germany fans unveiled a celebratory mosaic to a hugely popular figure in this country.”

‘This country’ = Britain, as we were taught. The report reads that a player, hugely popular in Britain, was feted by Germany fans. Did I not miss anything?

‘This country’ = whatever country the speaker was talking about. He has not specified it here.