Tonight , Germany and Uruguay will clash against each other with not much at stake . At stake would be the chance to win the golden boot , a chance to win the young player of the year award and a chance to end their world cup campaign on a high after both sides have had a good outing at the world cup . Third place play off matches generally have a lot of goals as the teams play freely and without any rigid plans . Hence expect a whirlwind performance from either sides when they clash at the majestic Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth .
Both Miroslav Klose and Thomas Muller have a chance to win the golden boot award and can go to the top of the standings if they score 2 goals or more . History is proof to the fact that in many times and in the last 5 world cups , players have scored two or more goals in this particular match. Both in 1994 and 1998 , the third place play off match had special significance as the match was instrumental for one of the players to clinch the golden boot . Even Diego Forlan has a good chance to win the golden boot or the golden ball having been outstanding all throughout the world cup .Hence we can expect full entertainment from this clash .
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This is the second time Germany and Uruguay have met to contest third place at a FIFA World Cup, with the pair doing battle at the same stage of Mexico 1970. At the finals 40 years ago, Die Nationalmannschaft had lost a semi-final thriller 4-3 to Italy, while La Celeste had been downed 3-1 by eventual winners Brazil, with the Germans snatching third spot thanks to a solitary 26th-minute strike from Wolfgang Overath.
Both the teams have had a disappointing semi final clashes and they would look to reverse that . Uruguay players have already stated that they are taking the clash seriously and would be going all guns blazing . Oscar Tabarez has stated that all his tactical acumen would be put on hold and the team would be encouraged to play entertaining football . Germany have played some exciting soccer throughout the tournament and much is expected from them .TEAM NEWS : Uruguay have no fresh injury worries and they have vouched to play to the death to secure the third place and cap a memorable world cup for them . The return of suspended striker , Luis Suarez is an added bonus to Oscar Tabarez who has a fully fit squad for the clash .
Germany would also welcome suspended striker Thomas Muller who has been a revelation at this world cup . Joachim Loew had insisted on resting some players but there might not be much changes with most important players either starting or on the bench .
AUTHORS PREDICTION : It would be an end to end display of attacking football . expect a lot of goals .GERMANY 3-2 URUGUAY
