Germany’s Klose on bench, 1 short of World Cup mark for goals, in 3rd-place game

Klose on bench out for third-place match

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa — Miroslav Klose’s aching back prevented him from playing in the third-place playoff against Uruguay on Saturday.

Germany won 3-2.

Klose is one goal shy of Brazilian forward Ronaldo’s World Cup record of 15.

Cacau replaced Klose, who has four goals in this tournament.

Germany coach Joachim Loew was forced to make five changes to his team. Defender Philipp Lahm and forward Lukas Podolski were out with the flu. Loew also has the flu but was on the bench. Backup striker Mario Gomez also has the flu.

Klose scored five goals in each of his previous two World Cups. He and Thomas Mueller led Germany with four goals each heading into the match, but Mueller scored early in the first half.