Germany sneak entertaining bronze medal match

The traditional festival game of any World Cup continued in similar fashion, as Germany defeated Uruguay 3-2 in an entertaining game, to secure third place for the second tournament in a row. The 3rd/4th place play-off has traditionally been a goal fest, with an average of almost four goals per game, and this occasion did not disappoint. In a game which is often derided as one no-one wants to win, these two teams made a mockery of that. As early as the fourth minute, German youngster Dennis Aogo was lucky to escape with only a yellow card for a high and dangerous tackle on Diego Perez, and the supreme Diego Forlan curled the free-kick just over. But Germany had started the brighter, and after Arne Friedrich headed against the crossbar from a Mesut Ozil corner, they took the lead following a bad mistake by keeper Fernando Muslera. Bastian Schweinsteiger fired in a shot from all of 35 yards, and although it swerved, the Lazio stopper will have been disappointed to spill the ball out to Thomas Muller, who sidefooted home to go level with a number of players on five goals in the race for the golden boot. This didn't lead to the expected onslaught, however. The South Americans came back into the game, with some nice interplay and lightning quick counter-attacks, one of which led to the equaliser just before the half-hour mark. Schweinsteiger made practically his first mistake of the tournament, as Perez robbed him of possession on the halfway line. He passed to the returning Luis Suarez, and suddenly, it was three against two in Uruguay's favour. A clever run from Forlan pulled Per Mertesacker out of position, allowing Suarez to play in Edinson Caveni, who slotted neatly into the corner past Hans Jorg Butt. Both teams were making light of the poor weather conditions in Port Elizabeth, and Uruguay nearly took the lead just before half-time. A lovely pass from Forlan released Suarez, but the Ajax striker dragged his shot wide. This drew inevitable cheers from the crowd. It was all Uruguay at this point, and five minutes into the second half, they claimed a deserved lead with a lovely goal. A clever one two between Suarez and Egidio Arevelo saw the latter scamper to the by-line and cross towards the edge of the penalty area. From there it was all Forlan, as the striker showed great body shape to strike a brilliant volley which flew into the net off the turf, to join Muller and company on five goals for the tournament. But just five minutes later, Germany were back level, with Muslera again to blame. Jerome Boateng provided a good cross into the area, but Muslera should have dealt with it. He missed the ball completely, allowing Marcel Jansen to divert the ball into an unguarded net. The momentum had again shifted in this remarkable match, and as Uruguay's players began to visibly tire, German substitute Stefan Kiessling missed two presentable opportunities to make a name for himself, before Sami Khedira looped a header over Muslera following a scramble from a corner. But still Oscar Tabarez and his players refused to accept defeat. With the last kick of the match, Forlan thumped the crossbar with a brilliant free-kick. So near but yet so far, kind of like the tournament for both teams. But both Germany and Uruguay can be more than satisfied with their tournaments, and bright times undoubtedly lie ahead for both.