Miroslav Klose’s hopes of becoming the World Cup’s all-time top scorer could be dashed by a back injury.

The Germany striker, 32, needs one more goal to draw level with Brazilian Ronaldo’s record of 15.

"He was hurt in an aerial duel, and we are hoping that he will be okay,” stated assistant coach Hansi Flick.

Captain Philipp Lahm shrugged off his own injury worries, saying: "It would astonish me if I wasn’t ready.”
Germany had to settle for the third-place play-off for the second World Cup in a row after losing 1-0 to Spain in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

In 2006, the Germans beat Portugal to finish third and Lahm will be hoping for a similar consolation this time around.

General manager Oliver Bierhoff has been impressed by the way in which Germany have played in South Africa and has no doubt coach Joachim Loew’s young team have still to peak.

Agencies