Germans finish strong

STUTTGART, Germany – This third-place game had meaning – for Germany, at least.

Capping their jubilant World Cup run in style, the hosts defeated Portugal 3-1 Saturday on two sensational goals by Bastian Schweinsteiger. He also set up the third, when his free kick was deflected in for an own-goal by Portugal’s Armando Petit.

Getting as far as the consolation game was an unexpected achievement for the young German team behind innovative coach Juergen Klinsmann. It was also a far cry from playing in today’s final in Berlin – that honor belongs to France and Italy.

But at least it gave the home fans one last chance to party, and they embraced the opportunity.

The Germans savored the celebration that followed, locking arms, waving flags and smiling beneath the popping lights of camera flashes and fireworks. The sellout crowd of 52,000 serenaded their national heroes for 20 minutes as players circled the field, highly visible in their white shirts long after Gottlieb-Damlier stadium was darkened.

“These are special moments,” Klinsmann said. “We told the players to soak them up.”

Schweinsteiger’s two goals were almost identical, and they energized the game – just as Germany has done for the country’s national pride.

In the 56th, he retreated from the corner of the penalty area on the left side and worked to the middle of the field, and from 25 yards launched the ball without rotation, a frozen blast beyond the reach of a leaping goalkeeper Ricardo.

Six minutes later, the midfielder – who didn’t start in the 2-0 loss to Italy in the semifinals – set up the own-goal as Petit deflected his free kick behind Ricardo. In the 78th, he again sent a rising shot sailing over Ricardo’s hands. With this one he doffed his shirt, drawing applause from the sellout crowd that included Formula One champion Michael Schumacher.

The Germans have won the World Cup three times, and they are always a threat. They’ve reached the semifinals a record 11 times, and this is their third consolation prize.

Portugal failed to match its best World Cup, falling just short of the third-place finish in 1966. Eusebio, a member of that 1966 team, was on the bench – but couldn’t rally a victory.

The game marked the end of international soccer for 37-year-old Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, who announced his retirement after the victory. He played the entire game, his only action in seven games. Jens Lehmann played the other six.

“This was last game for the national team today,” Kahn said.

Portugal winger Luis Figo came on as a late substitute, then announced he was retiring from international soccer after the game, his 127th appearance for his country over 15 years.

“This was my last game for the national team,” the 33-year-old told Portuguese television. “I’m leaving at a time when Portuguese soccer is at a high point.”