Germany and Portugal play today for the third spot in the World Cup. Here are some elements you might want to know before the game starts.

Colours for the game
Germany: White shirt, black shorts, white socks
Portugal: Port red shirt, port red shorts, port red socks

The players
Both teams have players doubtful through injury ahead of Saturday’s game, with Germany forced to do without three first-choice players. Captain Michael Ballack will be absent due to an inflamed left knee, while Per Mertesacker underwent surgery on Thursday on his injured left heel. Right-back Arne Friedrich will also be missing after twisting his knee. Nor will the Portuguese be at full strength, with full-back Miguel also sitting out the match with a knee injury.

Oliver Kahn will replace Jens Lehmann in the German goal on Saturday for his first appearance at this summer’s tournament. The other changes to the team will see left-sided defender Marcell Jansen and Chelsea centre-back Robert Huth start.

Germany’s magnificent battling performance in their semi-final against Italy means questions are being asked about the team’s physical condition for Saturday’s match. After two sessions of extra time, the Germans will need every their last reserve of energy to keep up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.

In the other semi-final, Portugal more than matched the in-form French albeit without ever really threatening their opponents’ goal. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari could need all his renowned motivational skills to extract one last defiant performance from his own battle-weary charges.

The absentees
Ricardo Carvalho (POR)

Previous meetings
Germany and Portugal have previously met on 14 occasions. Germany lead the way with six wins to Portugal’s three, with five matches drawn. This will be the sides’ first FIFA World Cup meeting. The last match between them represents a painful memory for the Germans, who were beaten 3-0 in the first round at the 2000 UEFA European Championship.

The duel
Miroslav Klose has now scored a total of ten goals over the course of the past two FIFA World Cup finals. Even so, his appetite for goals is far from sated: “Anyone who knows me understands that I’m not finished yet.” Portugal’s goalkeeper Ricardo can again expect to have plenty of work to do in Stuttgart.

What they’re saying
Miroslav Klose, Germany forward: Of course I would like to score. If I can help the team finish third, it would be a positive send-off for us after the huge disappointment of losing in the semi-final.
Costinha, Portugal midfielder: We will be fired up going into this game, even though we’re devastated to have missed out on the Final. We will take the job seriously and make our country and every Portuguese fan proud of us.

Source: WCoffsite