Germany's number one goalkeeper Jens Lehmann admits the "great competition" between him and Oliver Kahn has helped the two rivals to push each other to the next level.

The Arsenal stopper deprived his Bayern Munich counterpart of the starting job less than two months before the World Cup started.

He is sure to have a special place in Germany's history too, after sensationally parrying two penalties in the epic quarter-final shoot-out victory over Argentina.

Lehmann was at his best again in the semi-finals, but not even a string of astounding saves could prevent Italy from clinching a 2-0 victory.

The 36-year-old made way for Kahn in last night's third-place match against Portugal, with the long-time Germany number one retiring from international football immediately after the 3-1 win.

It spelled a fairytale ending to what was commonly known as the "goalkeeping war".

"I think we were a very entertaining goalkeeping duo for the media and the public over the years," Lehmann said.

"But I can say from my point of view that we pushed ourselves greatly in our performances - because you knew if you wanted to play, you were not allowed to let it slip."

Lehmann spent four gruelling tournaments on the bench before finally getting a chance to shine.

"We dominated the goalkeeping scene for quite a while," said Lehmann.

"He has three tournaments, while I have one. Now I have played a tournament which makes me happy, but our relationship was defined by incredible competition."

Even though Kahn admitted he would "never understand" coach Jurgen Klinsmann's decision to hand Lehmann the starting job, he proved his professionalism and sportsmanship by quietly accepting his reserve role.

The duo publicly buried the hatchet just before the dramatic penalty shoot-out against Argentina as Kahn publicly encouraged Lehmann - with 72,000 fans roaring their approval in the Olympic Stadium.

"It was a very nice gesture without a doubt," said Lehmann.

"I think it changed our relationship.

"During a World Cup, the competitive situation - which dominated the build-up to the tournament - is forgotten. It was the same with me in 2002.

"During a tournament you say to yourself: 'Well, I am sitting on the bench. I need to support the team and cannot cause any problems'. You have to be quiet.

"Oliver has accepted that perfectly and also lived up to it."

Kahn looked like the "titan" of former days when Klinsmann handed him the captain's armband for Germany's final match of the tournament in front of a frenetic home crowd.

"He deserved to have such a good last game," added Lehmann.

Germany might have missed out on the final, but Lehmann believes Klinsmann's men are still "world champions".

"What I find remarkable is the wave of emotions and enthusiasm that has been sweeping the country," he said.

"As a player, it is always a little disappointing because we got so close to the final.

"But judging from the mood of the people and the atmosphere, we are world champions."