Miroslav Klose keeps future open

World Cup record goal-scorer Miroslav Klose has left his international future open, saying he will make a decision on whether to play on or not after Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina.

- Carlisle: Klose eclipses Ronaldo's record

The Germany attacker, 36, became the tournament's all-time leading goal-scorer when he hit his 16th goal in the 7-1 semifinal demolition of hosts Brazil.

That goal put him one ahead of one-time record holder Ronaldo -- and now he is eyeing the World Cup trophy to go with the new landmark.

Twelve years after being a losing World Cup finalist as Brazil defeated Germany 2-0, Lazio man Klose told a news conference: "I know just how bad it feels to lose a final.

"What counts for me is that we lift that thing [the World Cup trophy]. I can't celebrate if I lose my second final."

Asked about what would happen once that match was over, he said: "I will make an on-the-fly decision on Sunday. I can still play, I must emphasise."

He praised the man whose goals record he has broken, saying: "Ronaldo was an outstanding footballer.

"Everyone I talk to in Italy says he's the best striker ever to play in that league, and at Real Madrid they say the same. I am also of that opinion. He was the most complete striker."

Ronaldo, who was commentating on the semifinal for the TV Globo network as Klose broke his record, congratulated him on air.

But another Germany international, Thomas Muller, could soon be threatening Klose's record.

Muller has scored 10 goals in only 12 World Cup appearances, and could end the Brazil tournament with a second successive Golden Boot.

And Klose, the winner of the 2006 Golden Boot as Germany hosted the World Cup, said: "It would be great if he could win it for a second time."