German striker Célia Šašić (Photo : Reuters)
World no. 1 Germany tries to settle for third place against world no. 6 England in their loser's bracket match in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Silvia Neid's squad is coming off a tough 0-2 loss in the hands of fellow powerhouse team United States in their semifinal encounter.
As reported by The Guardian, the match was a tale of two penalty kicks as American striker Carli Lloyd made her spot kick while tournament top scorer Célia Šašić missed hers a few minutes earlier. Substitute defender Kelley O'Hara sealed the win for the US with a late goal.
Meanwhile, England had an even tougher experience as they lost to defending champion Japan in the other semifinal match, 1-2, courtesy of an own goal from center back Laura Bassett during the final minutes, via BBC Sport.
Die Nationalelf aims to bring back its offensive form in this battle-for-third contest while the Three Lionesses hopes to ease the pain of their semis defeat against the Nadeshiko. The play of right back Lucy Bronze will be crucial for Mark Sampson's team as they try to upset the Germans.
If forwards Šašić and Anja Mittag can find the motivation to still lead the German offense despite the semis loss, then things would be easier for Neid.
The predicted result is Germany over England, 2-0. While it is only a consolation game for the Germans, they are still powerful enough to beat the Three Lionesses.
Germany starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Angerer; Maier, Krahn, Peter, Kemme; Goeßling, Leupolz; Laudehr, Popp, Mittag; Šašić
England starting lineup (4-3-1-2 formation): Bardsley; Houghton, Rafferty, Bronze, Bassett; Moore, Scott, Williams; Chapman; Carney, Taylor
