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World Cup Third Place Play-Off Preview
Before the curtain goes down on this 19th World Cup, we have the small matter of sorting out the the third place play-off, one of the least anticipated matches of any major tournament. Uruguay and Germany will attempt to dispel any fears that neither will take the game seriously in Port Elizabeth, and both sides’ attacking approach could mean we could be in for a classic.
URUGUAY vs. GERMANY
7.30pm –Port Elizabeth Stadium, Nelson Mandela Bay
 
While its perceived that motivation for both sets of players may be very low, in fact certain individuals from both sides will have one eye on particular land marks heading into this third place play-off.
Miroslav Klose is just one goal away from equaling Ronaldo’s 15 goals in World Cup Finals, while Diego Forlan lies just a single goal behind Wesley Sneijder and David Villa in the race for the tournament’s golden boot award. It’s an added spice to a match most often forgotten during major finals.
However, injury to both players could deny us of this matchup, with the duo feeling the effects of a hectic schedule and the disappointment on missing out on the final. Uruguay will have the returning Luis Suarez to turn to, while Germany will have Cacau, their Brazilian born forward, on hand to replace their record world cup scorer.
Oscar Tabarez’s biggest worry will be how his usually water tight defense was breached so easily by Netherlands, and Germany, who have scored four goals in a match on three separate occasions will be keen to take advantage of any uncertainty in the South American’s back four. Joachim Loew will welcome back Thomas Muller into their midfield, who has been highly praised throughout the tournament. But will his return motivate his team to finish the summer on a high?
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