Michael Ballack not playing tomorrow for Germany....

dmmd98 · Jul 7, 2006

Not that he did much anyway but posted it just in case someone was thinking of loading up on Germany -200ish

BERLIN (AP) - The World Cup has ended early for Germany captain Michael Ballack.

Ballack has an inflamed left knee and will miss Saturday's third-place match against Portugal in Stuttgart.

"The doctors advised against him playing," the German soccer federation (DFB) said Friday.

oldmanTED · Jul 7, 2006

BERLIN (AP) -- Germany captain Michael Ballack is out, and backup goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is in.

stolidog · Jul 7, 2006

German team HAS to be disheartened. I likey the Portuguese +300 on the ML.

levistep · Jul 7, 2006

Portugal seems like the play.

PokerKingJim · Jul 7, 2006

What is the sense of a 3rd place game? Can't believe Portugal will be flying high after being knocked out just 3 days earlier. I stay away

joeyfitzclick · Jul 7, 2006

Portugal has a lot of value. Coin toss if you ask me.

oldmanTED · Jul 7, 2006

Poker King Jim said:
What is the sense of a 3rd place game? Can't believe Portugal will be flying high after being knocked out just 3 days earlier. I stay away

</TD><TD class=triL>GER</TD><TD class=colon>:</TD><TD class=triR>POR</TD><TD class=flag>

</TD><TD class=score>21:00</TD><TD noWrap align=middle>Preview</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

GreenDoberman · Jul 7, 2006

Unlike the old NCAA hoops 3rd place games, the World Cup consolations have a lot of meaning for national pride and world rankings. The games are certainly looser and higher scoring, but that does not mean the team's will treat it as a glorified exhibition.

charleslanger · Jul 8, 2006

Portugal's deeper than Germany-- if they're both giving playing time to the non-regulars....and a great odds value...

The best bet tough, is the OVER....Germany will return to its preferred reckless attacking style while disdaining disciplined defense....and i doubt anyone on Portugal side will want to continue tackling ferociously, when they have regular teams to return to. Should be an old Lakers Showtime-type of run & gun game..maybe sloppy at times.......

The over may well fall in the first half.