Germany/Portugal 
My Pick: Germany
A consolation game for the two teams who have had to bear the disappointment of losing in the semifinals, the third place match between Germany and Portugal promises to be an interesting affair. The game will probably be the last game of Portuguese legend Luis Figo. He would like to bring down the curtain on his career with a win over the hosts.
Portugal has been one of the surprise packages of this tournament. They reached the semifinals beating fancied teams like England and Holland en route before falling to France. They will be playing in their second third place play off, the first being in 1966 when they beat the Soviets. Their main problem has however been in front of goal. PSG striker Pauleta has been ineffective in front of goal after his 4th minute strike against Angola and looks lost playing as a sole striker. Tottenham rejects Helder Postiga and Benfica's Nuno Gomes have been largely restricted to roles as substitutes and Scolari hasn't given prolific Fulham forward Luis Boa Morte a game. Scolari will also have headaches in defense where Valencia fullback Miguel and Chelsea's Ricardo Carvalho are out due to injury and suspension respectively. The midfield consisting of the likes of Maniche, Deco, Figo and Ronaldo will hold the key in this battle as they are individuals who can change the course of the game on their own. Ronaldo who has not really endeared himself to the crowd in this tournament, will be keen to prove that he can do much more than just dive.
The Italians handed the Germans a shock exit with 2 goals in the last two minutes sealing their fate. Yet under Jurgen Klinsmann they have developed into a strong attacking team and that has won them many fans. They do have some injury problems though. Inspirational captain Michael Ballack will miss out due to a knee injury. Torsten Frings, who missed the last game thanks to a punch on Julio Cruz, should partner Kehl in the centre of midfield. Per Mertesacker is out with a heel injury. Robert Huth will take his place. Miroslav Klose, who looks guaranteed to end up as the tournament's Golden Boot winner is also struggling with a calf injury. Klinsmann, who has always emphasized that the team comes above personal glory, will therefore mostly hand Mike Hanke or Oliver Neuville a start instead of Klose. Jens Lehmann has said that he is willing to step down for a game and we may see last edition Golden Ball winner Oliver Kahn man the posts for the last time in the World Cup in this game.
My verdict:
Both the teams have nothing to lose. German fans will feel that their team should at least finish 3rd for coming up to the semis. Portugal will be looking for retribution after
a disappointing loss to France. Expect to see a pacy, quick game with emotions running high. Home support will spur on the Germans and I predict them to win this.
