Back problem could rule out Klose record bid

Brazil’s all-time World Cup record goal scorer Ronaldo’s mark of 15 goals could well remain intact as it was revealed on Thursday German striker Miroslav Klose could miss Saturday’s third place match with Uruguay because of a back injury.

The 32-year-old Poland-born marksman suffered the injury during the 1-0 defeat by European champions Spain in Wednesday’s semi-final in Durban and German assistant coach Hansi Flick said back at their training camp that the Bayern Munich star was still troubled by it.

Klose, who has scored four times in these finals, is just one goal off equalling Ronaldo’s record — the Brazilian having set the mark in the 2006 finals.

“Klose has problems with his back,” said Flick.

“He was hurt in an aerial duel, and we are hoping that he will be okay for the match.”

Flick, who along with coach Joachim Loew is out of contract and will sit down to discuss terms for a new one with the German Football Federation (DFB), added that both midfielder Sami Khedira and captain Philipp Lahm were also troubled by physical woes.

However, Lahm, who has been an inspirational captain in the absence of the injured Michael Ballack, insisted that he would line-up against the Uruguayans in Port Elizabeth.

“Do not worry, it would astonish me if I wasn’t ready for this match, it is not as serious as all that.

“And also I have time to rest and the body can absorb the pain during a day off.”

Lahm, who was in tears after the loss to Spain, said a night’s sleep had allowed him to digest the defeat a little bit more and had reflected on his initial decision that it was not worth playing in the consolation match.

“Four years ago, we thought it was fantastic to play for third place,” said Lahm, referring to their defeat of Portugal in the third place match in Germany in 2006.

“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.”