URUGUAY vs GERMANY
Date and Time: 10th July 00:00 (IST)
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay / Port Elizabeth



Journey so far...






Diego Forlan's Uruguay are set to battle the Germans for a third place finish in Saturday night showdown. Both countries have had impressive World Cup campaigns. Uruguay have thus far ridden on the inspiring displays of their captain Diego Forlan and their latest sensation Luis Suarez. This attacking duo has amassed a total of 7 goals of all 9 goals scored by Uruguay in this campaign. Without a doubt this South American nation possesses a resounding forward line. However the problem lies in the defense. The Uruguayian backline have conceded an alarming 5 goals so far. Their porous defense have often resorted to the heroics of their goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to bail them out of dangerous situations. We can liken this Uruguayian side to their South American compatriots Argentina who too had a similar problem. A strong attack but a weak defense. 

Germany, on the other hand have played clinical football through this entire World Cup. The young Germans thus far showed no sign of inexperience, registering brutal victories over Australia (4-0), England (4-1) and Argentina (4-0). A well balanced team that they are, Germany boasts of a solid defense line, marshalled by their captain Philip Lahm and Per Mertesacker. Likewise in midfield Bastian Schweinsteiger has successfully replaced injured Michael Ballack while Mesut Ozil has caught the imagination of all footballing greats. The Germans are masters at creating a full throttled counter attack with their attacking trio of Klose, Muller and Podolski. It is worth mentioning that their veteran striker Miroslav Klose is one short of scoring 5 goals, having done so in each of the previous two World Cup editions. 


FP Prediction:

Even the most diplomatic of people will refuse to call this an even match. The Germans are bound to carry out frequent forward surges. A real test for Uruguayian defenders we say. Klose will come out all guns blazing with a chance up for grabs to level or even surpass Brazil striker Ronaldo's World Cup record of 15 goals. If ever Uruguay happens to bother the German defense, it will be most likely through Forlan and Suarez. Apart from that there appears no real threat to the German side.
But then again, this is football. Even minnows on their day knock out the giants. What say Marcello Lippi?
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