World Cup 2006

EFE

Germany celebrates.

Juergen Klinsmann's team's performances silenced widespread doubts at home about its chances and gave way to a sense of euphoria after each win.

"We all wish we were in the final, but we all want to win the game on Saturday. I was very sad that we didn't make the final, but third place is better than fourth," Miroslav Klose said Thursday.

"It will be a tough match against Portugal," added Klose, who leads the tournament with five goals.

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who led his native Brazil to the title four years ago, missed his shot at winning the World Cup with two countries. But his team can leave its mark in Portugal's soccer history by equaling the accomplishment of Eusebio's 1966 team that beat the Soviet Union to capture third place. That was Portugal's best run at the tournament.

"We're proud and happy to be in the best four of the 32 teams that started this tournament," Scolari said. "It's an historic achievement."

Klose and Portuguese midfielder Maniche also are in the running for the Golden Ball, the most valuable player award for the tournament.

Portugal, which lost 1-0 against France on Wednesday for its first loss of the tournament, has one day less than Germany to prepare for Stuttgart. But Germany played for two hours when it lost to Italy in extra time.

Portugal is trying to shrug off the agony of its semifinal defeat.

"We're all sad about the result, but the World Cup isn't over and we have to pick ourselves up for the Germany game," midfielder Luis Figo said.

Midfield playmaker Deco, whose form in Germany has been patchy, said the team owed its fans a winning performance.

"Saturday's game is going to be hard, but we've got our pride intact and we're sure that the whole of Portugal is sad," Deco said, "and that they are suffering just as we are. We have to do our best for the fans."

Portugal was the lowest-scoring team of the four semifinalists with six goals, and paid a high price for its poor finishing against the French.

Apart from his concerns on attack, Scolari will have to rejigger his defensive lineup for the Germany game.

Center back Ricardo Carvalho's yellow card against France means he will be suspended on Saturday, and right-back Miguel damaged knee ligaments that will keep him out of action for several weeks.

The absences mean Ricardo Costa likely will make his first World Cup appearance and Paulo Ferreira will take over duties on the right side.

Germany will miss central defender Per Mertesacker after surgery on his left heel.