2010 FIFA World Cup Third/Fourth Playoff Preview: Uruguay Vs Germany

Date : 10th July 2010

Venue : Port Elizabeth Stadium, Nelson Mandela Bay

Two defeated sides will play each other in the 63rd match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in order to bow out with a last hurrah. This venue doesn't hold great memories when it comes to the Germans; they lost to Serbia, 1-0 on the same pitch.

The Uruguayans are not the team that the Africans will be willing to see following "that" incident against Ghana. The Germans, on the other hand, have won over the hearts of many with incredible performances against Australia, England, and Argentina.

It will be very difficult for both sides to pick themselves up (literally in Germany's case), following their defeats to the Dutch and the Spaniards. Germany, especially, will be more upset due to the fact that they absolutely failed to attack the Spaniards. The Uruguayans will felt aggrieved that they lost to the Dutch due to two goals which perhaps should not have been given.

The Match

Germany will attack their more defense-minded opponents; although I wouldn't be surprised if someone suggested that Germany were the more defense-minded of the two following the semifinals. All the key players will return for their teams. Jorge Fucile and Luis Suarez will definitely return to the field following their suspensions. Diego Lugano will take to the pitch. Thomas Mueller will also return following his suspension.

Germany will employ a 4-5-1 formation and Uruguay will deploy the same formation. Miro Klose insists he wants to win the game more than break the record; but the thoughts of equalling it or breaking it must be playing on his mind. Thomas Mueller will want to put in another good performance to ensure that he wins "the best young player" award; he also has a shot at the Golden Boot like his compatriot Klose. Diego Forlan, a contender for both the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot will want to strike again.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is also a contender for the Golden Ball and will want to put in a good display. Currently though, Lahm and Lukas Podolski are suffering from the flu alongside coach Joachim Loew. Miro Klose is apparently suffering from a back problem.

Probable Line-Ups

Uruguay : Muslera, M. Pereira, Victorino, Lugano, Caceres; D. Perez, Arevalo; A. Fernandez, Forlan, Cavani; Suarez

Germany : Neuer, Lahm,  Friedrich, Mertesacker, Jansen; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Mueller, Oezil, Podolski; Klose

Final Thoughts

The team which recovers best from their defeats will win this one. Uruguay deserves to be applauded for coming through to the semis after four decades. Germany have some thinking to do as to why they have fallen short again at the final stages.

The previous third place match was filled with excitement and hopefully, this one will be wonderful as well. Paul the Octopus has predicted a German win. Take your pick!