URUGUAY VS GERMANY PREVIEW AND TOP FIVE BETTING PREDICTIONS

We're just a few hours away from the kick-off of the widely-anticipated third place match in the 2010 World Cup. If you look back on the predictions before the tournament actually started, neither of these teams were really fancied to do much- Germany were something like 15/1 to win the tournament before it began- Uruguay were around 200/1. 

Regardless, both sides are set to do battle today and we've thoroughly examined the betting markets available on this match and come up with five specific selections that we think are definitely worth a bash. 
In regards to the 90 minute odds, Germany are still listed at an 8/11 price tag to win the match, but Uruguay have been clipped overnight by a number of top bookmakers and Ladbrokes have cut them from 4/1 to 7/2. I think this is a reflection of late betting volume coming in on the underdogs. The draw has also been shortened to 11/4. 
Germany are priced at 4/11 to win the match outright (including extra-time and penalties) and Uruguay are a straight 2/1. 
#1 - Over 3.5 goals
I don't find much defence gets played in these ones as there really isn't much to play for and the actual difference between third and fourth place at a World Cup are basically negligable. Both of these teams have shown acumen going forward and I'm confident that Germany can break down Uruguay and that the South Americans will probably grab at least one from a set-piece. 
#2 - First goal scored by a header
Miroslav Klose is going to be chasing that World Cup Golden Boot, as is Diego Forlan if he winds up playing, and I fancy him to open the scoring. He generally scores about half of his goals with his head and there is plenty of crossing acumen on the German side. Uruguay aren't a particularly tall team either so I think that the first goal being Klose via a header is quite likely. This bet gives you a little extra insurance and still delivers a 7/2 price if anybody else scores by a header. 
#3 - Miroslav Klose to score first
Klose is considered the most likely goalscorer in the entire fixture so you can pick him up for 7/2 to score first. I don't see him completing a full match as the Germans will likely try to give a few lower-key players a run out so Klose will probably only see 70 minutes or so and he'll be looking to make the best of them. 
#4 - Both teams to win 3-2
In a match like this where the bookmakers expect a few goals, you can make some solid cash if you can call a higher correct score selection. I've had some great success in the past picking out higher-scoring affairs and backing both teams 3-2. Uruguay are priced at 50/1 while Germany are listed at 25/1. 
$5 - Uruguay to score in the first half
I think they've got a solid build-up and plenty of firepower in their side so even without Diego Forlan I can definitely see Uruguay competing here. Their preferred method of playing out matches in this World Cup has been grabbing an early lead and then frustrating other sides with their organization. They are priced at 11/8 to score a goal in the first half.