Germany rolled to a bronze victory in the World Cup Third Place Match, riding high on the goals from twenty-two year old, Bastain Schweinsteiger. Both Klinsmann and Scolari tinkered with their squads in this one–both Ballack (injured) and Figo (coach’s decision) out of the sides. Still, the only team, of the final 4 teams, to play with two strikers, Germany pushed forward looking for goals. Portugal had to revert to several cynical professional fouls to keep Germany from getting behind their defensive back line.

The recalled German goalkeeper, Oliver Kahn was tested by Portugal throughout the 1st half, but he proved sure-handed and helped keep the game goalless at half-time. The match, played in Gottlieb-Daimler Stadion in front of 52,000, looked destined to be the first Third Place Match in recent Cup history to go without four goals–until Schweinsteiger opened the scoring in the 56th min. with an incredible strike from distance that knuckled and swiveled just past the saving efforts of Ricardo. Schweinsteiger then had his foot in on Germany’s second goal in the 61st min. when his fiercely hit free kick was deflected in for an own-goal by Portugal midfielder, Petit.

Matters went from bad to worse for Portugal, as Schweinsteiger popped up once again in the 78th min. with another unbelievable swerving drive from distance. Portugal scored a consolation goal in the 88th min. with a diving header from the substitute, Nuno Gomes, who finished off fellow substitute, Luis Figo’s cross at the back post.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 11th, 2006 at 1:08 am and is filed under Soccer World, World Cup 2006, Rick Wall (Head Editor). You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.