Kahn deserves last World Cup game, says rival Lehmann

Jul 6, 2006, 15:47 GMT

Berlin - Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is prepared to step aside to allow rival Oliver Kahn an appearance in goal at the World Cup when Germany play Portugal for third place in Stuttgart Saturday.

'Whatever the coach decides I will accept. If Oliver wants to play and the coach also thinks that way, I think he deserves it,' Lehmann said in Berlin Thursday.

'He has behaved outstandingly at this World Cup, also to me as we have seen with some nice gestures, and I believe it would be for him a personal farewell.'

Kahn lost his place as number one in goal to Lehmann before the World Cup. Although the Bayern Munich keeper has not made any announcements on his future, at 37 his international career is expected to be over after the World Cup.

The two keepers have been bitter rivals, but there have been signs of a rapprochement during the tournament. Kahn made a point of giving Lehmann some words of encouragement before the quarter-final penalty shoot-out against Argentina and hugged the Arsenal keeper afterwards.

At 36, Lehmann's future in the national team is also in doubt, and could hinge on whether or not Juergen Klinsmann stays as coach.

'I will have to speak to the trainer about my personal future although in the first instance the question is whether he stays or not,' he said.