Germany Promise Full Gas for Third Place

While the trophy is going to be in the hands of another captain on Wednesday evening, Germany skipper Michael Ballack and his team mates are determined to end their country's participation in the Confederations Cup on a high.

Germany face Mexico in Leipzig on Wednesday in the play-off for third place between the two group winners who were knocked out at the semi-final stage.

"The public in Leipzig can expect to see a tremendous game," said German coach Jürgen Klinsmann. "This will be another interesting test for our team."

The hosts will face a tough time against the Mexicans who narrowly went out of the competition the day after Germany lost 3-2 to Brazil on Saturday. Mexico were cruelly dumped out of the Confed Cup in a dramatic penalty shoot-out on Sunday with Argentina's Esteban Cambiasso scoring the winning spot-kick after keeper German Lux had saved Ricardo Osorio's penalty.

Mexico held their own and even mastered the tournament favorites at times, adding weight to the growing sense that they could be a surprise package at the World Cup in Germany next summer. Ricardo Lavolpe's men also defeated the world champions Brazil in the group stage.

Germany gives respect but has victory in sight

Klinsmann is right to have words of respect for his opponents.

"I have been hugely impressed by the performance of the Mexican team in this tournament," he said. "They have beaten Brazil and came very close to defeating Argentina."

Such respect was echoed by Klinsmann's right-hand man team manager Oliver Bierhoff.

"Mexico have been a revelation in the Confederations Cup," he said. "They are agile, quick and have great fighting spirit. We are looking forward to playing against a tough opponent."

"It is vital that we finish the tournament on a high note," said Klinsmann.

"Naturally, we want to win and secure third place," Bierhoff added.

The record books suggest that Germany could be favorites with four wins, four draws and one defeat in the nine previous meetings between the two teams. Mexico's only win dates back almost exactly 20 years to June 15, 1985, when they defeated Germany 2-0 in Mexico City.

The Germans, under Berti Vogts, won the last match, a knock-out stage game at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Mexico lost that match in Montpellier 2-1, going down, ironically, to goals from Klinsmann and Bierhoff.

Mexico cautious but focused on winning

Mexico have come a long way since then and are determined not to roll over in the face of a partisan crowd and a home side with high ambitions. After the disappointment of losing to Argentina, Jared Borgetti turned his attention to the task ahead.

"Now we want to beat Germany and secure third place," said the Mexican striker, who added that Mexico will once again have to be on top form to beat Germany. "This game is pretty special since we are playing against the host nation. Germany are a very tough nut to crack."

"We have a mountain to climb playing against the hosts in front of their home fans in a sell-out stadium," Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe said.

Confed Cup top attack versus top defense

The third-placed game promises to be a cracking encounter in Leipzig. Germany have the highest-scoring attack of the tournament while Mexico have the strongest defense. The German have scored eleven goals in their last four games while Mexico have conceded only two.

For the Germans, they know they must go out on a high as a nation expects.

"The players must give their all one more time," Klinsmann concluded. "Only then can they go on a well-earned holiday."