It has been a good WC for the Germans

Germany took the consolation prize of the third spot in the World Cup by soundly beating Portugal 3-1 today.

The game only turned into an entertaining event in the second half after a couple of spectacular long range shots from Bastian Schweinsteiger, sandwiching an own goal from Petit, sealed Portugal’s fate.

Portugal did start the match brightly and offered more than a token resistance to the hosts but I thought Germany deserved this win for the way they have played throughout this tournament. They have been entertaining, full of goals and showed good sportsmanship from their first match.

Much has been said about their young, inexperienced defence but to their credit the green defenders have done well. In fact, I can’t find fault in any of the German players for their professionalism in this tournament. Many of them will now establish themselves as household names not only in their nation but in the international arena too.

They started the tournament as a bunch of no-hopers. Home fans thought a quarterfinals place will be good. But these players exceeded the expectations of all and came very close to the final prize itself.

It was not just the third spot which Germany took home today. They have also earned their reputation as a good host and have rekindled the love for the game in their country. With so many young players in the team, the future of German football looks good indeed.

On top of that, they have got the best young player in the tournament in Lukas Podolski and Mirosav Klose might just win the Golden Boots award. In all, it has been a good World Cup for the Germans.

One just final thought - I have always believed that the third-fourth place kickoff was a waste of time. No one remembers the third place winners. FIFA should just scrap this one match. Otherwise, what is there to stop FIFA in the near future from having classification matches for third to say eight placed teams?

In the place of this third spot match, it will be good if FIFA can organize a charity match involving the best players of the tournament (except for players from teams in the final). It will not be a competitive match but instead one that can drive home the FIFA message of fair play and unity in the game. How about it?