Germany secure third place with 3-1 victory

STUTTGART, July 8 (Reuters) German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger scored two superb goals as hosts Germany finished the World Cup with the consolation of third place when they thumped Portugal 3-1 today.

Schweinsteiger foxed Ricardo with a power-drive after 56 minutes from around 30 metres which left the Portugal keeper grasping at thin air.

Five minutes later, Germany went further ahead with Schweinsteiger the instigator this time, ramming in a free kick from the left which Petit deflected into his own net from six metres.

Schweinsteiger was not done and cracked in a third goal with another long-range strike.

Substitute Luis Figo created Portugal's consolation, crossing perfectly from the right for Nuno Gomes to head home two minutes from time.

Italy and France meet in Berlin in tomorrow's final.

REUTERS PDS RAI0220