International Friendly Preview: Germany Vs England

Match: Germany vs England

Venue: Berlin, Olympic Stadium, Germany

Date: 19th November

Germany vs England: This international friendly is the highlight of this week.The arrival of Diego Maradona to Hampden Park is less awaited than this match. Anyone remember Michael Owen? He was the hattrick hero in 2001 or 02.

Anyone remember Kevin Kuranyi? He scored the equalizer helping the Germans to a 2-1 win last year at the Wembley. All those players no longer play a part on the international stage for their countries, yet they will be remembered for those goals, Kevin Kuranyi's was a header, I don't want to revive Michael Owen's ones because I support the German National team. (Each of those goals were painful!)

This year it will not be the bridesmaid Michael Ballack leading the German team, its going to be soft-spoken Miroslav Klose leading Die Mannschaft. On the other hand, John Terry might not be present to captain England due to injury.

Last year, a revived German team brokedown the weak English, but this year, after Fabio Capello's introduction as head coach, a strong and determined English side will come face to face with a German side who are undergoing problems internally after repeated fights between the experienced players (Ballack and Frings) with head coach Loew.

The Germans breezed through their Euro Qualifiers only to open a poor account of themselves one match into the main tournament( against Croatia). Their win against Turkey could be considered to be lucky, taking nothing away from Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose, and Bastian Schweini though. England whereas failed to qualify for the tournament. ( Ironically both sides lost to Croatia, one in qualifiers and the other in the final tournament.)

England will be without some of their first team players due to injuries,while Germany will be filled with Bayern players, both the strikers will be from Munich.

Anyways, this time the star player might be Piotr Trochowski. A lot of people will be keeping an eye out for this player, as he has in-numerous talents. For England, I tip Barry to shine the most in Lampard and Gerrard's absence.

At the end of the day, Germany will have home advantage as the game is in Berlin and thus have the greater chances of winning. I am gonna tip this one to Germany.

Final score: Germany 2 - 1 England