England’ Dad’s Army face Joachim Loew’s German colts in a round of 16 match on Sunday that fans of both sides will walk upside down to watch. Mental strength will come into sharp focus in the heavyweight meeting of two storied rivals.
Gary Lineker will be hoping that England players don’t remember his famous quote — Soccer is a game for 22 people that run around, play the ball … and in the end, Germany always win — when they take the field at Bloemfontein.
The golden generation of England has a last chance to grab glory in a tournament their country has never come close to winning since that wonderful Wembley evening 44 years ago. Fabio Capello needs Churchillian powers of inspiration to coax one of the oldest squads (average age 28.4) at South Africa into giving its best against Germany’s youth brigade (24.9).
Even though modern football amply rewards the pace and vigour of youth, the World Cup has always treated the oldies with compassion. Italy’s triumphant squad in 2006 had a few members who were on the verge of a mid-life crisis. Experience does have its value in the knockout stage. Athleticism is important, but some teams risk running on the wrong road.
Germany, on the other hand, have moved on from the “ghost” goal of Geoff Hurst to cement their place as the most consistent team of the modern era. Their World Cup record is staggering. They have reached the semifinals 11 times from 16 appearances. It is a statistic even the five-time champions, Brazil, cannot boast of.
Franz Beckhenbauer has said sorry for calling England “weary” but the was spot on.