A late header from Sami Khedira ensured Germany finished third in the World Cup with a 3-2 win over Uruguay.
The two beaten semi-finalists played out an entertaining game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the penultimate match of the finals.
Germany made the brighter start but Dennis Aogo was fortunate to get away with just a yellow card for a reckless tackle on Uruguay's Diego Perez with just five minutes on the clock.
Thomas Mueller became joint-top scorer as he opened the scoring on 18 minutes before Edinson Cavani levelled for Uruguay before the break.
The South Americans took the lead for the first time early in the second half through the impressive Diego Forlan but Marcell Jansen equalised for Germany within five minutes.
The open encounter seemed destined for extra-time before Stuttgart midfielder Khediranodded Germany in front again with just eight minutes remaining to seal the bronze prize.
Diego Forlan almost took the game into extra-time as his injury-time free-kick struck the Germany crossbar with the last kick of the game in an exciting finale.
It was a cruel end to Uruguay's eventful tournament but they will leave South Africa with an enhanced reputation while the German's have finished third for the second successive World Cup.
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