Klinsmann Rallies Team for Anti-Climactic "Mini" Final

Klinsmann, still considering his own future after Tuesday's bitter last gasp defeat to Italy in the semi-final, will try and eliminate any thoughts that this last game of the hosts' World Cup is a lame duck match and that taking bronze is an achievement worth striving for.

Traditionally, the third place match is a lethargic affair played out by two emotionally shattered teams who would much rather have their feet up at home enjoying that last days of their summer break while wallowing in what could have been.

While Germany's opponents Portugal will be downcast after failing to reach their first ever World Cup final after losing to a marginally better France team by a single penalty, the home team will have a particularly hard job to lift themselves due to the manner of their own elimination and the effect it had on the entire nation.

Portugal's expectations may have been surpassed by making the last four for the first time since 1966. But Germany's were crushed despite Klinsmann's own admission that the semi-final was the target for his team.

However, as professionals competing for a final position in the tournament in front of their own raucous and intensely proud support, Klinsmann's job of lifting his traumatized players will surely be made easier.

"We definitely want to win the match," goalkeeper Jens Lehmann said on Friday. "In the Olympics the bronze medal counts for something."

Playing the match out in his home town of Stuttgart may help the Germany coach as well as he strives to motivate his players to finish the campaign in style and give the fans something to celebrate.

"We want to give a good performance on Saturday to give the supporters something to cheer about it," Klinsmann said. "We wanted to be in Berlin for the big final but we have to settle for this mini final in Stuttgart."

Top scorer Klose a doubt, Ballack out

There is also the small matter of who finishes as the top scorer in the competition, with Germany's Miroslav Klose currently out in front in the race for the Golden Boot with five goals.

With Thierry Henry on three and Luca Toni on two, Klose will hope to extend his lead over the France and Italy strikers, who face each other in Sunday's final.

Klose, however, is battling for fitness and may miss the match with a calf problem. Germany will definitely be without defender Per Mertesacker, who will have surgery on his foot this week, and right back Arne Friedrich, who is out with a knee injury.

Germany captain Michael Ballack will also miss the match with a knee injury that has stopped him from training.

Klinsmann is likely to give a number of Fringe players at run against Portugal while Jens Lehmann is ready to give number two Oliver Kahn one last taste of World Cup action.

Coach confirms Kahn's World Cup swansong

Klinsmann confirmed the 37-year-old Kahn would start against Portugal on Saturday in recognition of his service to the national team.

"I can confirm that Oliver Kahn will be in goal," Klinsmann said. "He has played a big role in this team behind the scenes and deserves this match."

Portugal also have at least one player missing with defender Ricardo Carvalho suspended and right back Miguel doubtful after limping out of the defeat by France.

But coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was upbeat ahead of the game and had his own reasons to think that his players would fight hard for the third place title.

"We have to get rid of this melancholy, we still have a target," said the Brazilian. "Third place at the World Cup is not to be sniffed at. We'll go on to the field with the same dedication we've shown so far."

Portugal legend Figo bids farewell

Portugal's Luis Figo is set to bring the curtain down on his glittering international career in Stuttgart. The Inter Milan winger retired after Euro 2004 but came back for one last crack at a major title.

On Saturday the 33-year-old will win his 127th and final cap and he wants to sign off with a win.

"We want to finish off with a win over Germany," Figo said. "It was disappointing to lose the semi-final but we have to try and win this game for the fans."

Possible teams:

Germany (4-4-2):

Oliver Kahn; Jens Nowotny, Christoph Metzelder, Robert Huth, Philipp Lahm; Bernd Schneider, Sebastian Kehl, Michael Ballack, Tim Borowski; Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose.

Portugal (4-5-1):

Ricardo; Paulo Ferreira, Fernando Meira, Ricardo Costa, Nuno Valente; Costinho, Maniche, Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco; Pauleta