|
|
World Cup 2010: Germany boss Joachim Loew: I had to drop Miroslav Klose for the Uruguay match
The Bayern striker had a chance at history in the third-place match
12 Jul 2010 02:16:00
By Anthony Sciarrino
Germany manager Joachim Loew insists that he has no choice but to drop injured Miroslav Klose against Uruguay, ending his chance to become the leading scorer in World Cup history.
The Bayern Munich hitman was one goal behind Brazil star Ronaldo’s record of 15, but fell ill with the flu after Germany’s 1-0 loss against Spain and was not able to play against Uruguay.
Without Klose up front Germany went on to win an exciting match 3-2 and earn third place for the second consecutive World Cup.
The 32-year-old striker was also in contention for the Golden Boot having scored four goals, but Loew acknowledged that he had to leave Klose out of the line-up to field the strongest team in the attempt to finish third.
“We needed 100 per cent from everyone so couldn’t afford players who weren’t fit,” Loew told The Mirror.
“That’s why we didn’t field injured or ill players. It would have been irresponsible. He simply couldn’t play, he failed the fitness test, he could hardly walk.
“He was absolutely devastated but knew it was the team that was important.”
Thomas Mueller’s fifth goal of the tournament gave Germany the lead but goals from Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan gave the South Americans a 2-1 lead early in the second half.
However, Marcell Jansen evened the score and Sami Khedira scored with eight minutes remaining to give the Germans the victory.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The Bayern Munich hitman was one goal behind Brazil star Ronaldo’s record of 15, but fell ill with the flu after Germany’s 1-0 loss against Spain and was not able to play against Uruguay.
Without Klose up front Germany went on to win an exciting match 3-2 and earn third place for the second consecutive World Cup.
The 32-year-old striker was also in contention for the Golden Boot having scored four goals, but Loew acknowledged that he had to leave Klose out of the line-up to field the strongest team in the attempt to finish third.
“We needed 100 per cent from everyone so couldn’t afford players who weren’t fit,” Loew told The Mirror.
“That’s why we didn’t field injured or ill players. It would have been irresponsible. He simply couldn’t play, he failed the fitness test, he could hardly walk.
“He was absolutely devastated but knew it was the team that was important.”
Thomas Mueller’s fifth goal of the tournament gave Germany the lead but goals from Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan gave the South Americans a 2-1 lead early in the second half.
However, Marcell Jansen evened the score and Sami Khedira scored with eight minutes remaining to give the Germans the victory.
Our 
provides the best breaking news online and our 
football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!
provides the best breaking news online and our football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
