England versus Germany in the World Cup. It conjures up some special moments in the history of the event.
Like the Three Lions win over Germany in the 1966 Championship Game, the last time jolly old England hoisted the World Cup trophy.
Or, the 1990 semifinals, the closest England has been the promised land since. Their hopes, however, dashed by the efficient Germans who ended up winning the title over Argentina a few days late.
I wont really break this game down. Just know that when the German and English sides meet on the pitch, its more than a football game, its rich with historical subtexts. Most importantly, its a match between two of the best sides in world, and All Star game with international bragging rights on the line. I think there are two questions in this game. Will England’s defense, a main reason they’ve struggled so far this World Cup, be able to contain the German attack? And, can the guady looking English roster, highlighted by Wayne Rooney, finally generate goals? They’ve only scored twice during this entier finals campaign. They have way too much talent to have scored so little.
Of course, there are a few other keys. Can Jermaine Defoe who has always been Capello’s goal threat off the bench add another tally getting a second start in a row? Where in the world is Joe Cole? Will Wayne Rooney finally score? Can the Three Lions get a goal saving play from its keeper instead of the other way around? The German midfielder Meset Ozil has been a breakout star of these games, but how will the kid perform in his first World Cup Knockout Round with a fierce rival on the other side of the pitch? Miroslac Klose is back in the German lineup after missing the Ghana game on yelloow-card suspension can pass somebody named Pele on the all time WC goal list. Whats the status of Bastian Schweinsteiger? The German midfielder is the straw the stirs the drink, but he’s doubtful after twisting his ankle against Ghana. The Germans are a world power, but actually have a losing record in legit international games where he’s unavailable. Does he play, and, if so, how effective will he be? We go on and on and on keys of the games. It’s about to start, so we wont. But, we do have a pick to make and we’re feeling bullish about things after a nice 2-0 start to the Knockout Round yesterday.
Oddsmakers have called this anybody’s game, however late money over the last 24 hours on the Brits have turned the Three Lions into slight favorites. Here are the odds for a regulation only outcome: England +150, Germany +180, Draw +200.
Here’s a stat: In four all time World Cup meetings between these two countries, its never been decided within the 90 minutes of regulation time. History says this game will go into OT. So, too does my betting ticket. The Pick: Draw at 2/1.
