Posted by ESPN Stats & Information
Uruguay versus Germany
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium -- Port Elizabeth
Storylines
• In a rematch of the 1970 third-place game, Germany plays Uruguay in the semifinal losers consolation match. West Germany beat Uruguay 1-0 in 1970.
• Germany plays in the third-place game for the second straight World Cup. Four years ago Germany beat Portugal 3-1.
• Miroslav Klose: The German striker sustained a back injury in the Spain game and is in doubt for this match. Klose is one goal away from tying Ronaldo's (Brazil) career World Cup record of 15 goals. At 32 years old, this almost certainly would be Klose's last World Cup game.
• Jogi Low's future: The Germany coach's contract negotiations broke down with the German federation earlier in the year amid an unusual public spat between Low and his bosses. Although popular with German fans, Low's future with the national team remains in doubt, and it's possible this could be his last game.
• Diego Forlan: Uruguay's star striker limped out of the semifinal with an injured thigh and is doubtful for this game.
Series history
• Germany leads 6-1-2. Uruguay's victory came in the 1928 Olympics.
What to look for
• Thomas Muller: The young German striker had to sit out the 1-0 semifinal loss to Spain because of a suspension but is eligible for this game.
• Luis Suarez: The Ajax striker was suspended for the semifinal but is eligible to play against Germany.
• Expect lineup changes: It is not unusual for coaches to make a lot of lineup changes for the third-place game. Low has indicated that he may make several changes to give some players a rest and reward reserves who have played little with a World Cup start.
From the research room
• Suarez has 55 goals in 62 appearances for club and country this season.
• After averaging 15.8 shots per game in its first five games, Germany had just five shots against Spain.
• Uruguay has had 50 percent or less of the possession in all six of its games.
• Germany has scored four goals in three games. The only nation to have bettered this in a World Cup is Hungary, netting at least four goals in four matches in 1954.
• All 14 of Klose's World Cup goals have come in open play and from inside the box, and half of them have been headers.