Another chapter in the rivalry between two European heavyweights will be written on Sunday as England take on Germany in the World Cup Round of 16 in Bloemfontein (10am ET).
England defeated West Germany in the 1966 final for its only World Cup triumph while Germany ousted the English on the road to hoisting the 1990 trophy. Their semifinal encounter in 1990 finished in a dramatic penalty kick shootout which saw Die Mannschaft advance. The two sides have faced each other a total of four times at the World Cup and there has never been a winner after regulation.
While Fabio Capello's English squad was widely considered disappointing during the group stage, Germany have been impressive despite a 1-0 loss to Serbia.
Joachim Loew's young German team, without injured Michael Ballack, proved it can be a contender in the tournament with some of the most spectacular attacking soccer of the tournament. The star of the second youngest team at the World Cup is 21-year-old creative midfielder Mesut Ozil, who scored the game-winner against Ghana in the Group D finale.
Meanwhile Wayne Rooney is yet to get on the board for the Three Lions in South Africa. The English superstar is expected to be partnered with Jermain Defoe up top in a lineup which Capello said will feature one change from the team that defeated Slovenia.
Germany will be without injured forward Cacau (abdominal injury) while influential midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has been doubtful with an ankle problem. Veteran forward Miroslav Klose will be back from suspension to make up for Cacau's absence.
The pressure of the match-up came through in the press conferences leading up to the game. England made Capello available for eight questions in a press session that lasted around five minutes. Loew did not appear to the German pre-match press conference.
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