Germans fight back to finish third again

By Mitch Phillips

PORT ELIZABETH (Reuters) - Germany showed their legendary resilience on Saturday when they came from behind to beat Uruguay 3-2 in a thrilling third-place World Cup playoff.

Having led early on, the Germans fell 2-1 behind early in the second half but equalized soon after and Sami Khedira headed the winner eight minutes from time.

There was still time for great chances at both ends with Diego Forlan hitting the bar with a stoppage-time free kick.

Forlan and Thomas Mueller, scorer of Germany's opener, both finish the tournament on five goals, level with Spain's David Villa and Wesley Sneijder of Netherlands -- who can of course add to their tally in Sunday's final.

"When we were trailing we could see the strength of this team. I'm so happy to see them turn it around," said coach Joachim Loew, assistant to Juergen Klinsmann four years ago when Germany also finished third on home soil.

"Champions rise again, we rose to the occasion again. We have every reason to be fully satisfied, no reason for disappointment, we will travel home feeling great."

Uruguay too deserve huge credit for their attacking approach in the match but had to settle for fourth, just as they did last time they reached the semi-finals in 1970 when they were also beaten by then-West Germany in the playoff.

"We showed our purpose and intentions, on a level playing field against a great opponent," said coach Oscar Tavarez.