Fight For Third Spot

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For evidence of just how much the play-off for third place at the FIFA World Cup™ means, you only have to go back to the summer of 2006 and recall the determination with which host nation Germany rounded off their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Portugal in Stuttgart. It was the same for 1990 hosts Italy, who bounced back from the huge disappointment of semi-final defeat to Argentina with a spirit-lifting 2-1 success over England.

And the showdown for the final place on the podium often proves most rewarding for dark horses that have lit up a tournament, such as Sweden at USA 1994, Croatia at France 1998 and Turkey at Korea/Japan 2002. What's more, with the pressure off and coaches’ tactical leashes loosened, these games can result in end-to-end football, chances aplenty and goals galore.

Players to watch
Diego Forlan vs Miroslav Klose

This duo of vastly experienced strikers have four goals apiece so far and will be determined to further their respective Golden Boot hopes by finding the net again at the Port Elizabeth Stadium. The lethal pair both picked up knocks in their sides’ semi-final defeats, however, and may struggle to fire on all cylinders come Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, Germany's Miroslav Klose (14) is chasing not only the Golden Boot, but also a chance to overtake Brazil legend Ronaldo (15) as the World Cup's greatest ever goalscorer if he can overcome a back injury. The Germans may not like their success in this game, but they have picked up three third-place awards already - in 1934, 1970 and 2006 - with Bastian Schweinsteiger's brace making them 'reigning champions' in that respect.