Loew: I had to drop Klose

Germany coach Joachim Loew told how he had no choice but to deprive Miroslav Klose of a chance to write his name into World Cup history.

The Bayern Munich striker was just a goal away from equalling Ronaldo’s all-time finals record of 15, but caught flu after the semi-final defeat by Spain and was axed for the clash with Uruguay.

At 32, Klose – whose four goals had put him in the running for the Golden Boot – is unlikely to play in another World Cup but Loew said his priority was clinching third place.

“We needed 100 per cent from everyone so couldn’t afford players who weren’t fit,” said Loew.

“That’s why we didn’t field injured or ill players. It would have been ­irresponsible. He simply couldn’t play, he failed the fitness test, he could hardly walk.

“He was absolutely ­devastated but knew it was the team that was ­important.”

Thomas Mueller got Germany off the mark in Port Elizabeth, but Edinson Cavani replied for Uruguay and Diego Forlan put them 2-1 up on 51 minutes.

Germany were back on level terms five minutes later when Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera flapped at a cross and Marcell Jansen headed home.

Sami Khedira grabbed what proved the winner with eight minutes left but Forlan went agonising close to taking the contest into extra-time, hitting the bar with a free-kick with the last kick of the game.