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How does one motivate oneself for a game like this? In the Olympics there’s at least a bronze medal at stake.

Well the game itself is mostly there so that the break until the final isn't too long. During the group stage you had multiple games per day, now you have to somehow keep up the action.

As for motivation: Of course both teams are disappointed (Germany probably more so), but you can still play for glory (like Klose gunning for the title of most world cup goals), to leave the world cup on a high note and also you get some FIFA ranking points, which help you with the seeding at future tournaments etc.. Also, as far as the great teams are concerned, it's a chance for a coach to try players that have missed out so far, so that the "B team" can also have some fun. So Uruguay will probably bring their A game, Germany might do something unexpected.