Record not on Klose's mind

Miroslav Klose is hoping to shake off a back injury ahead of Germany's match with Uruguay in what will be his last chance to write his name in the FIFA World Cup™ history books.

The Bayern Munich striker is just one goal shy of the all-time FIFA World Cup finals scoring record of 15 held by Brazil's Ronaldo. Klose's two goals against Argentina in the quarter-finals put him level with Gerd Muller, the legendary German striker of the 1970s, and in sight of Ronaldo's mark.

The 32-year-old is hoping to shake off a back injury before the third-place play-off match in Port Elizabeth tomorrow but insists the all-time scoring record is not uppermost in his mind.


Klose said: "I want to win against Uruguay, even if I don't score, that's still the most important thing. I don't know whether I am going to pass Ronaldo's record, and I don't really care. I am more interested in what we do as a team."
I don't know whether I am going to pass Ronaldo's record, and I don't really care. I am more interested in what we do as a team.
Miroslav Klose, Germany striker

Klose and Thomas Muller, who returns after missing the semi-final defeat by Spain through suspension, are also still in contention for the Golden Boot award as the tournament's top scorer.

Both Germany players have four goals, one behind Spain's David Villa and the Netherlands Wesley Sneijder who go head to head in the final on Sunday. They may also be up against Diego Forlan, also on four goals, though he too is struggling with injury.

Germany won the play-off in front of their home fans four years ago, comfortably defeating Portugal, and skipper Philipp Lahm insists the match is relevant to the players despite the disappointment of missing out on the final.

Lahm said: "We saw four years ago how great this game can be and we want to go home with a win and with a good feeling. Before, like a lot of people, I didn't even want to watch this match on television. But now, I believe that winning this match is important, that it can provide us with some consolation."

Lahm is one of those who has been hit by a flu outbreak that has hit the Germany camp, with Lukas Podolski and coach Joachim Low also affected.

Source: fifa.com