Third Place Playoff

If it's any consolation, Die Mannschaft won third place in the World Cup.

The third-fourth placing game is not one many people will watch, least of all remember. The big hoo-ha usually has to do with the final two teams. No one bothers about the fight for third and fourth. For South Africa, the match was actually played two night prior to the finals.

And I guess the only reason I have not missed the last two third-fourth games of the World Cup is because the German team has made it to that stage. Once in WC2006 Germany, and now once again in WC2010 South Africa.

Well, they won this one 3-2 against Uruguay. I actually found this game more exciting than the semis the Germans had against España and definitely much more exciting than the finals between España and the Netherlands.

The line-up for the German team was not the normal one. Many main players sat on the bench due to injuries and illnesses, and paved way for the younger and less experienced players to win. But it was okay. As long as they played well. The most important part for me was that Bastian Schweinsteger got to wear the captain's arm band.

Both Germany and Uruguay played their hearts out till the last minute. I thought Diego Forlan's form was superb and was silently rooting for him. I wouldn't have half minded if Forlan had scored more goals and led Uruguay to victory if I had not wanted the German team to win.

In the name of sportsmanship, Bastian shaking hands with Diego Lugano at the end of the match. The two captains for last night's match. *Motip lagik pilih gambar dua-dua kapten tak berbajas.*

Congratulations, Germany. We'll try again in the next World Cup, ok.

I'll be seeing and rooting for you again in Brasil in 2014. Good luck and all the best!