Third Place game: Deutschland vs Uruguay

[Munchlaxatives]

I don't quite understand how being born and raised, or even just raised, in Germany doesn't make you German.

[walchy]

so, by martins argument..... im born and raised in australia. but if i move to uruguay tomorrow, live there 5 years and completely embrace the culture, ill be Uruguayan?

[teamny1]

No, Martin's point is that you can never be Uruguayian since you aren't Spanish or Italian.

Oh, and Martin, Native Americans have contributed many things to America and its culture. One little thing would be Thanksgiving.

Please, tell me, what is a true American? Would it only be Anglo-Saxon Europeans?

[FAB0L0US]

Lahm was sorely missed, and if Butt had not stopped 1-2 shots, we could have lost. But boy, that Uru goalie had an off day.

Why were Lahm and Neuer (sp?) not playing?

And of course after I pick Muslera for my best goalie of the World Cup who pulls a game where he didnt make a single good play.

[5DOM]

I don't like it when players like Cacau, KPB, Deco and Pepe just change their nationalities to play in the WC, but guys like Ozil and Balotelli are different case. It makes more sense that they play for Germany and Italy respectively.

[and1GS]

What a volley by Forlan, just crazy.

And ya I don't get the nationality hopping just to play in the WC. Balotelli's situation makes sense because he's an Italian through and through. Guys like Jermaine Jones absolutely sicken me though. He didn't give a **** about the US but switched to US nationality so he could play in a WC. Thank god he ended up being injured.

[Foye]

Lahm was sorely missed, and if Butt had not stopped 1-2 shots, we could have lost. But boy, that Uru goalie had an off day.

Why were Lahm and Neuer (sp?) not playing?

And of course after I pick Muslera for my best goalie of the World Cup who pulls a game where he didnt make a single good play.

Lahm was ill and they changed the keeper like they did in 2006 with Kahn coming in for Lehmann.

Great game from both teams. I would've enjoyed an overtime game. Too bad that free kick from Forlan did not went in.

[Dekadez]

The 'nationality hopping' has been around forever. Once you commit to a certain team, you're stuck anyway. It's no big deal, and I find it rather refreshing.

[magik9113]

I'm not really sure where this duscussion has gone, but Balotelli was born and raised in Italy, with the BALOTELLI(caps to emphasize the fact that this is a purely Italian family) family. They never adopted him but they were his legal guardians. He doesn't have the Italian blood but i can't see how one can say he shouldn't be called up to the Italian national team. As for the azzurri fans, most people hate his stinkin guts (do to flopping and other on the field antics), but have been crying for him to get called up nonetheless! they hate how difficult it is for players to succeed in Italy at such an early age.

Nationality hopping has in fact been around forever. In fact, national team switching was even allowed at one time. Di Stefano played for Argentina and then switched to Spain! USA's goal scorer in their historic win over England in the 50s was not even an American citizen...he was studying at an american university. All he had to do back then was sign a letter of intent saying he intends to become a citizen. And now the rules are 100 times more strict, and we complain about these things much more...

[magik9113]

Great game from both teams. I would've enjoyed an overtime game. Too bad that free kick from Forlan did not went in.

agreed.

Muslera had a great tournament until this game came around.

[Munchlaxatives]

So, I put in an order for two Schweinsteiger jerseys, home and away. I wish they sold Muller or Friedrich jerseys where I bought them.

[Slava]

Where did you buy them from? I want to get a Ozil jersey.

[Munchlaxatives]

Where did you buy them from? I want to get a Ozil jersey.

I got mine on ebay. Kitbag doesn't have Ozil jerseys, I'm not sure if Ozil had any shirts made before the tournament.

Edit: on sale: http://www.worldsoccershop.com/shop-by- ... mesut.html