Germany's Kahn in goal for Portugal game

BERLIN, July 7 (Reuters) Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn will return for tomorrow's World Cup third place match against Portugal as part of a series of changes, coach Juergen Klinsmann confirmed today.

Kahn, 37, lost his position as German number one to rival Jens Lehmann, who has played in all six of Germany's matches to date.

Klinsmann has been impressed by Kahn's positive attitude in training and his return to face Portugal in Stuttgart is the former number one's reward.

''We have a lot to thank Oliver for at this World Cup,'' Klinsmann told a news conference.

''He's been a great influence on the young players and he's deserved a place in the team.'' Lehmann said on Thursday he would be happy to sit out the match in order to give Kahn a final taste of the World Cup.

It will be an 86th international appearance for Kahn, who was named the best player of the tournament in South Korea and Japan four years ago.

Germany will be without captain Michael Ballack, centre back Per Mertesacker and right back Arne Friedrich because of injury.

Klinsmann said Robert Huth and Marcell Jansen would come into the defence for a match Germany are eager to win to finishing their home tournament on a high note.

The other outstanding issue for tomorrow is to ensure Miroslav Klose finishes the tournament as top scorer.

Klose has five goals to his name, two more than team mate Lukas Podolski and Thierry Henry, who will lead the France attack in Sunday's final against Italy.

''Klose will definitely play from the start,'' Klinsmann said.

''I hope he gets a goal or two to make sure.'' REUTERS AY PM1921