2010 FIFA World Cup Third/Fourth Playoff Review: Uruguay vs. Germany

Germany has claimed third place for a fourth time in World Cup history by beating Uruguay 3-2.

The Match

Germany took the lead through Thomas Mueller. Uruguay equalized through Edison Cavani and took the lead through Diego Forlan. Marcell Jansen equalized for Germany, and Sami Khedira scored the winner.

The Review

Germany played their first match in a while without any players related to Poland. Miro Klose and Lukas Podolski were sidelined alongside captain Philipp Lahm. Dennis Aogo, Marcell Jansen, and Cacau took over. Manuel Neuer finally got some much-needed rest as Bayern's Hans-Joerg Butt stepped in.

Germany's start to the match clearly showed that they hadn't properly recovered from their footballing lesson by the hands of the Spaniards. They fought hard after going down 2-1 and eventually won the game.

Thomas Mueller's fifth goal of the tournament puts him on top of the scorers' chart because of his three assists. He has also played the least number of minutes due to his suspension against Spain. Thus, provided that David Villa and Wesley Sneijder do not score tomorrow, Mueller will be carrying more than one award back to Munich.

Marcell Jansen can really provide some competition for Lukas Podolski's spot in the future. He will not start, however, due to his dismal passes in the final third. Stefan Kiessling's miss was one that will live in memory for a while.

He might be Germany's main striker in the next World Cup if Richard Sukatu-Pasu, Sandro Wagner, and Felix Kroos don't come through. Aaron Hunt could also be the next big German striker as well.

Jerome Boateng's crosses were lovely today. Hans-Joerg Butt played a good match. Bastian Schweinsteiger was unspectacular but had a good game despite his error which led to the first Uruguayan goal. Diego Forlan basically showed the world again why he deserves to leave the World Cup with the Golden Ball.

The game provided great entertainment as third-place matches usually do; Germany certainly can leave South Africa with their heads held high but definitely not without a bit of sadness in their hearts. Four years ago, the third-place finish was brilliant, but this time around it's different. They played so well throughout the tournament but fell to Spain due to lack of belief and courage.

In Conclusion

Schweinsteiger had a few thoughtful words to say. I will end with the words of Germany's favourite "engine man."

"Luckily we won, and yet the disappointment of the semi-final was still there. All is not rosy.  It has been conducted, we came back, it shows the character of this team. I am very proud to play in this team. We must look to the future, we can still achieve a great deal."

And Euro 2012 awaits!