STUTTGART, July 7: Germany and Portugal have to try and put aside their disappointment of failing to reach the World Cup final when they meet in the third-place play-off match here on Saturday.
The game is undoubtedly an anti-climax for the losing semi-finalists but it has added spice with Portugal's Luis Figo and Germany's Oliver Kahn set to bring the curtain down on their glittering careers.
“We want to finish off with a win over Germany,” said Inter Milan star Figo.“It was disappointing to lose the semi-final but we have to try and win this game for the fans.”
Germany goalkeeper Kahn will also want to go out on a high after playing second fiddle to Jens Lehmann for the finals.
Jurgen Klinsmann confirmed the 37-year-old Kahn would start against Portugal on Saturday in recognition of his service to the national team.
Hosts Germany, still coming to terms with the 2-0 extra-time defeat to Italy in the last four, will be psyched up to give Kahn a winning send-off and the fans a final win to savour.—AFP
