England, Germany ignore hype
Source: Agencies |
June 27, 2010, Sunday
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Print Edition
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GERMANY has got physical problems while England's is mainly in the head as the two old foes prepare to land the first heavyweight knockout blow in the World Cup today.
If past events are anything to go by, their fifth meeting in the World Cup finals and their first since the then-West Germany beat England on penalties in the 1990 semifinals, is unlikely to end in a straightforward victory for either side.
Something unusual, memorable, dramatic or controversial is almost bound to occur when they come face to face for their second-round tie at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, because when England plays Germany, something always does.
The past may not be in the least bit relevant when the match kicks off but certain echoes from their previous tumultuous encounters will resonate down through the years.
Physically, the past has left no scars on the present, but mentally, England's players must overcome the inferiority complex they seem to have when they play the Germans, or any other major power, when it matters most.
Since beating West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final the only teams England has beaten in a World Cup knockout match over the last 44 years have been Paraguay, Belgium, Cameroon, Ecuador and Denmark, and it has never reached another World Cup or European championship final either.
By contrast, Germany has appeared in 11 major finals, winning the World Cup twice (1974, 1990), been runner-up three times (1982, 1986, 2002) and won three European titles and been beaten in three finals.
England goes into the match with no fresh injuries other than the long-term one that has sidelined center-back Ledley King but Germany does have a serious concern over Bastian Schweinsteiger.
The midfielder, described as "the heart" of the team by coach Joachim Loew, "would only play if he is 100 percent fit," Loew added.
The 25-year-old picked up a thigh muscle injury in the final Group D match against Ghana while defender Jerome Boateng was also doubtful with a calf muscle injury.
However, striker Cacau is definitely out with an abdominal muscle strain.
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