Germans claim third

Germany defeated Mexico to claim third place in the Confederations Cup.

The 44,345-strong crowd were entertained to a seven-goal thriller at Leipzig's Zentralstadion on Wednesday, with Jurgen Klinsmann's men having to finish the match with ten men.

The 2006 World Cup hosts needed 37 minutes to break down their Concacaf opponents, as Lukas Podolski gave the Germans a 1-0 lead.

Mexico replied three minutes later through Jose Fonseca before the Germany restored their lead through Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger a minute after that.

The tournament hosts were then reduced to ten men after the break, as Mike Hanke was shown a red card for violent conduct by referee Matthew Breeze.

Moments later, Jared Borgetti scored the first of his two goals to pull the Mexicans level again.

Despite being a man short, Chelsea centre back Robert Huth looked to have won the contest for Germany on 79 minutes, but the ever-dangerous Borgetti made it 3-3 six minutes later, as the match went into extra time.

Seven minutes into the first period of extra time, Germany captain Michael Ballack struck a free kick (pictured) past Mexico goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez to secure a 4-3 win for third place in the competition.

Klinsmann's side will now look forward to next year and the World Cup finals in their own country while Mexico will quickly return to the Concacaf region to defend their Gold Cup title in the United States next month.