Schweinsteiger starts German party

Host nation Germany claimed third place in the FIFA World Cup amid a party atmosphere in Stuttgart as two superb goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger inspired a 3-1 victory against Portugal.

Ballack injury
Both coaches made several changes, some forced and others not. Germany's Michael Ballack missed out through injury, as did Arne Friedrich, Per Mertesacker and Tim Borowski, while Robert Huth was injured in the warm-up and had to be replaced by Jens Nowotny. Meanwhile, Jürgen Klinsmann made second-choice goalkeeper Oliver Kahn captain for the night in recognition of his fine career, and he responded with some fine saves but not a clean sheet.

Ricardo saves
Portugal had Miguel and Ricardo Carvalho unavailable, while coach Luiz Felipe Scolari left Luis Figo on the bench. The first half provided plenty of noise from a buoyant crowd but few clear chances. Sebastian Kehl forced Ricardo to tip over with a long shot, before Lukas Podolski tested the Portuguese goalkeeper with a fiercely-struck free-kick.

Stellar Schweinsteiger
Bastian Schweinsteiger was left out of the starting lineup for Germany's semi-final against Italy but gave his coach a reminder of his class ten minutes into the second half when he jinked inside from the left and powered in a swerving effort from the edge of the box. He was involved five minutes later when his low drive was deflected in by Petit to double the lead. He was at it again 12 minutes from time, lashing another brilliant shot past Ricardo from distance.

Figo farewell
Late in the second half Figo was introduced off the bench for his 127th and final cap of a glittering international career. He was still able to make a telling contribution, delivering a wicked cross from the right side for Nuno Gomes to head a consolation two minutes from time.