Germany (3rd), 3 - Uruguay (4th), 2

(Pics by Reuters)

Full strength Uruguay got into the match with Suarez back in the fold from suspension against Germany in the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup for a Wooden Spoon, in the 3rd and 4th place match. Forlan played with a limp just a little behind him. They started nervously trying to settle.

Germany were without  Podolski,  Klose and Lahm. This was a good tactic by the coach given their mental state of disappointment. The fringe crew is one for the future. they had a point to prove. they wanted to impress their coach, countryman and each other. to show they were not here for a holiday, that they are just as good enough. 

Germany started stronger and pressed hard at Uruguay. The South Americans found their feet 10 minutes on and took the game to the Europeans pushing them against the wall. In the 20th minute, Khadira picked up the ball sprinting from his own half. Shweinsteiger picked up the ball and drove a long shot that the goalkeeper blocked back into play for Muller to score with ease. Germany started to dominate the game henceforth.

Uruguay caught Germany on a counter with Perez robbing Shweisteiger and releasing Suarez who set up Cavani to score in the  28th minute. They took control of the game once more probing the Germany rear guard in the entertaining first half. They looked very dangerous with every attack and created real chances that Suarez squandered.

In the second half, Uruguay wasted the chance of the night when Cavani drew a good save from Butt and laid a rebound to Suarez who missed the target, the goalkeeper pushing the ball for a corner. 4 minutes into play, Diego Forlan volleyed home a perfect Arevalo cross from the right, beating a stranded Butt hands down.

The Europeans got an equaliser when Boateng flighted a cross that was met by Jansen with a header to beat Muslera, who could have done better with the cross. Action moved from end to end with Forlan and Suarez coming close several times. I must say goalkeeper Butt had a really good game.

Germany scored the 3rd goal from a corner-kick headed in by Khadira with 8 minutes to go. Uruguay failed to clear their lines, even Suarez could not get his hands there, being caught static when the ball bounced in the 12 yard box before Khadira pounced. The goal spurred Uruguay for a late surge that only provided entertainment.