Germany's dream tournament run was brought to a screeching halt by Spain on Wednesday. They will fight for pride in the 3rd place game against Uruguay in Port Elizabeth Saturday night. La Furia Roja knocked favorites Germany out of contention with a 73' header by defender Carlos Puyol. The Spanish controlled much of the game in the midfield leaving many Germans asking ‘what happened'? Miroslav Klose will have the opportunity to beat Ronaldo's record of 15 goals in the finals.
Uruguay have vowed not to take this match lightly. Losing in the semi-finals to Netherlands 3-2, Uruguay will feel they would have had a strong chance if they had suspended midfielder Luis Suarez with them. Diego Forlan is another goal-scoring threat and will cause some trouble for the German defense.
3rd Place Match: Germany vs. Uruguay
Date: 10 July, 2010 - 20:30 CET
Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - Port Elizabeth
Referee: Hector Vergara (Canada)
Germany:
Keeper: Manuel Neuer
Defenders: Philipp Lahm, Arne Friedrich, Per Mertesacker, Jerome Boateng
Midfielders: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Mueller, Sami Khedira, Lukas Podolski
Forwards: Mesut Ozil, Miroslav Klose
Manager: Joachim Low
Injured: -
Booked: -
Uruguay:
Goalkeeper: Fernando Muslera
Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Martin Caceres, Diego Godin, Mauricio Victorino
Midfielders: Luis Suarez, Walter Gargano, Alvaro Pereira, Diego Perez
Forwards: Diego Forlan, Edison Cavani
Manager: Oscar Tabarez
Injured: -
Booked: -
Both teams will be facing frustration at their respective exits; perhaps the Germans more so than the Uruguayans. Miroslav Klose is struggling with a back injury but will try his best to be included as one more goal would give him the tying record for most World Cup goals ever. Canadian referee Hector Vergara will officiate the match. Weather is expected to be 25 degrees and sunny.
Last meeting: 13.10.1993, Germany - Uruguay 5:0
Wins Germany: 2
Wins Uruguay: 0
Draws: 0
Diego Forlan is up for the Golden Boot and Luis Suarez will be ready to make up for the match he missed. Miroslav Klose will want one more goal and Thomas Mueller will want to solidify his legacy from this World Cup. Germany look to be favorites and I expect them to win this one convincingly.
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