Klinsmann steps down as Germany coach - DFB official

BERLIN, July 12 (Reuters) German national soccer coach Juergen Klinsmann, who led his young team to a surprising third place finish in the World Cup, has decided not to extend his contract, which expired at the end of the tournament.

An official at the German soccer federation (DFB) confirmed local media reports that Klinsmann had signalled he would step aside and that a news conference was planned for later today.

''The reports are not incorrect,'' the official told Reuters.

Klinsmann, who lives in southern California, had been urged to stay on after Germany beat Portugal in the third place match on Saturday, but he had said he needed to consult with his family before making a decision.

All 23 German players, 93 percent of the public, according to opinion polls, and even some of his harshest critics have said they wanted him to continue.

Reuters DH DB1144