Germany v Uruguay

Germany and Uruguay have the chance to get rid of their World Cup disappointment when they contest the third-place play-off today, but for the greater footballing World the game is of little importance. 

The two sides meet in Port Elizabeth, having both suffered defeats in the semi-finals earlier in the week, Uruguay were beaten 3-2 by Holland while Germany lost out to Spain.

Germany won the third-place play-off on home soil back in 2006 after a 3-1 victory over Portugal, but will have things all their own way as they look to achieve the same feat this time around.

The South Americans have been impressive in South Africa so far this summer and have emerged as the surprise package of the tournament.

After winning their group they beat South Korea in the second round before beating Ghana in the quarter-finals on penalties.

They are lively outsiders for 4/1 shots.

Germany are deserving favourites and looked in scintillating form before that defeat to Spain, but at 4/5 that is generally available, they look a little short.

Die Mannschaft hammered England 4-1 in the second round before dispatching of Argentina 4-0 in the quarters, making them formidable opponents on their day, but much like Spain, Uruguay will not attack in the same way as England or Argentina and Germany may find it tougher to create chances.

One player who will be desperate to get on the scoresheet is German striker Miroslav Klose, who is one goal away from equalling the all-time World Cup scoring record and as wee touched upon yesterday still has a chance of becoming the Golden Boot for the second World Cup in a row. He is 9/2 with bet365 to get the scoring underway.

Another strike for the Bayern Munich man would see him go level with Ronaldo at the top of the chart, the Brazilian having netted 15 goals, overtaking fellow German Gerd Muller.

However, Klose is a doubt to face Uruguay after picking up a back problem and it remains to be seen if he makes the starting line-up.

Klose has netted four goals in the tournament so far, the same number as Uruguay striker Diego Forlan.

Both still have the chance to claim the Golden Boot award, but like Klose, Forlan is an injury doubt.

Uruguay will be boosted by the return of Luis Suarez, who was suspended for the semi-final following his controversial handball on the line.

Germany midfielder Thomas Muller is also set to return to the fold after suspension.

This game will be a lot closer than the prices suggest and Uruguay could cause one final shock of the tournament.

NO MEMBERS BETS TODAY

Published 10-07-2010

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