Klose could miss World Cup scoring record and third-place match with back injury

Klose could miss third-place match

ERASMIA, South Africa — Germany striker Miroslav Klose could miss the third-place match against Uruguay because of injury, and with it lose a chance to take over as top scorer in World Cup history.

Assistant coach Hansi Flick says Klose has a back injury and could miss Saturday’s game in Port Elizabeth.

Klose needs one goal to match Ronaldo’s record of 15 for Brazil.

After Germany’s 1-0 loss to Spain in Wednesday’s semifinal, Klose said he was eager to play and mentioned no injury.

Flick says midfielders Sami Khedira and Mesut Oezil also have some problems, but declined to give details.