Match 51 of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007 sees Germany face Ghana at the FIFA World Cup Stadium in Seoul. The losers of the semi-finals meet in a repeat of the Group F match in Cheonan on Thursday 23 August.
On that day the Europeans ran out as 3-2 winners, but were almost shocked by the Starlets.
Sellas Tetteh's team fought back from 3-0 down, almost snatching an equaliser with the last kick of the match, but were denied by the crossbar. Now, they are determined to claim revenge - and a bronze medal in the process.
The game Ghana-Germany, Seoul, Sunday 9 September, 16:00 (local time)
The stakes Following their exit from the competition at the semi-final stage, Ghana and Germany have a chance to restore pride by clinching a place on the podium. Neither Sellas Tetteh's nor Heiko Herllich's team want to end the competition by losing two consecutive games, so this match represents a real opportunity to end their time in Korea on a high. An impressive performance from one of these players could also see them stake a real claim to become the adidas Golden Ball winner.
The past This is only the second time in the history of the tournament that the play-off for third place is being contested by an African and a European team. The only previous time this happened was in 1987, when Côte d'Ivoire saw off Italy 2-1 after extra time.
For the third time in competition history, the play-off for third place will reunite two teams which have already met in the first round. In 1993 Chile clinched third spot on penalties against Poland, the sides having drawn their earlier meeting 3-3. In 2001 Burkina Faso and Argentina also fought out a first-round draw, 2-2 the score on that occasion, the African side going on to pip the South Americans to a podium berth with a 2-0 rematch victory.
Both for Ghana and Germany, this will be their second appearance in a FIFA U-17 World Cup play-off for third place. The Black Starlets overcame the USA 2-0 in 1999, while Germany lost out 2-1 to Spain in 1997.
The players Both Sadick Adams and Eric Opuko are ruled out for Ghana through suspension, while Germany are expected to be at full strength for their final match.
The birthday Abdulai Seidu turns 15 on the day before the game, so Sellas Tetteh has the chance to give him a wonderful birthday present should the defender be given the nod to start against Germany.
The words "Germany took us by surprise in our first game, but we will be ready for them this time. I think it would be a real shame if we went home without getting third, so we're going to push hard. The team wants to finish third, to make a name for themselves. If they can do that, the reception for the team in Ghana will be great," Sellas Tetteh, Ghana coach.
"Winning the third place match would be a very good finish to this tournament in Korea. We know what to expect from Ghana having played them in the group game. It promises to be an exciting and entertaining match - both teams want to finish third and we're hoping for a similar result to the last game between us. " Heiko Herrlich, Germany coach.