No regrets for denying Klose record chance - Loew

German coach Joachim Loew deprived striker Miroslav Klose the chance of setting a World Cup scoring record but said he had no option but to leave the flu-stricken player out of the third-place playoff. Klose, who came down with the virus after Germany's semi-final defeat by Spain on Wednesday, was a goal away from equalling Brazilian Ronaldo's record of 15 goals and at 32 years old is unlikely to play in the next World Cup.

Loew said clinching third place was Germany's priority and Klose's inclusion could have damaged his side against Uruguay in the third-place playoff, a scintillating match his team won 3-2 after trailing 2-1 at one stage.

Reuters