Sunday, June 27, 2010

2010 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 - England v Germany (June 27, 2010)

England versus Germany is always a huge game. There has been a big rivalry between the two sides, stemming back to 1966 when England won the World Cup after beating West Germany 4-2. England's third goal proved controversial and there is still debate to this day about whether or not the ball crossed the line. The Germans have had this incident engraved in their hearts ever since and have been generally unforgiving, though it was hardly the English to blame.

England still have several questions to answer, especially in the goals department. On the other hand, their defense has been pretty good. Jamie Carragher is back from suspension, as is Ledley King from injury, so it remains to be seen whether Capello will tinker with his Center-Backs in this game. The midfield quartet is expected to be the same as in the last game, while Jermaine Defoe should keep his place in the starting XI.

For Germany, some concerns lie in the midfield department. Bastian Schweinsteiger is a doubt after picking up an injury against Ghana, and so is Jerome Boateng who injured his calf in the same game. However, striker Miroslav Klose is back after serving a one match suspension and will start.

These kind of games are very unpredictable and it's hard to talk about an outcome. The game could go to extra-time, and I would bank on England to come up good and win this one 2-1. 

1 comment:

nihal said...

muahahahahahahahaahahahahahhahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahhahah

2-1? try 1-4 loooool