2010 FIFA World Cup Preview: England-Germany, Ye Olde Rivals

OLDE RIVALS

There's too much history between England and Deutschland to mention in one entry.

England and Germany have met 31 times in World Cup and European Championship play with 1966 as the major marking point. England dominated Germany before 1966 and Germany dominated England after.

Overall England have won 12 and Germany 10 games.

And don't even mention the War.

HARD ROAD AHEAD

England have a difficult route to the World Cup Final—starting with Germany in the second round.

If they win, they meet either Argentina or Mexico in the quarter final, on current form—Argentina would be the likely opponent.

If England beat Argentina, possible opponents in the semi-final include—powerhouses Holland, Spain, Brazil and Portugal. Potentially, England could meet Germany, Argentina, Spain and Brazil to win the World Cup. That's as formidable a bracket as you can get.

SUSPENSIONS LIFTED

The good thing about the Germany game is that England have Jamie Carragher back from suspension. The bad thing is Germany get Miroslav Klose back from suspension.

Germany did lose a game in the World Cup so far to Serbia. But that was playing with ten men. This will likely be a highly tense match and I'm expecting the referee to flash out yellow cards—in keeping with the trend so far.

There will be lots of tackling in a tight, competitive game.

In such a tense match—someone is going to slip up and get two yellow cards—my soccer radar is telling me. I think that player might be from England more than from Germany. The Germans have traditionally played better under high pressure than England.

And don't even mention the Penalty Shootouts.

Or the Adidas Jabulani Ball. Avantage Deutschland on both counts.

PRESSURE COOKER

I'm still rooting for England to beat Germany. But this game could be a close win for Germany.

Germany seldom crack under pressure and England have been nervous so far in this tournament. The win against Slovenia will help settle them down. But the pressure keeps rising from here on. I hope England play well on Sunday. If they played anything like against Algeria, they'll be hammered.

Lots of time before game day to discuss tactical options. Today is just a feeling out process and getting psyched up for Germany. This is really like Chapter 20 of one of the longest running soap operas in world football.