Having crossed the group stage Hurdle, Germany coach trains his eye on Old Foe
Having crossed the group stage Hurdle, Germany coach trains his eye on Old Foe
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| German players celebrate their 1-0 win over Ghana yesterday that ensured their qualification into the next stage. |
Germany made sure of their place in the next round when midfielder Mesut Ozil's second-half strike gave them a 1-0 win over Ghana at Soccer City yesterday and top spot in Group D.
German Football Federation (DFB) president Theo Zwanziger said the national team had faced huge pressure as Germany have never been knocked out of the group stages at a World Cup.
With those schackles now off, Zwanziger said he expects a more free-flowing performance against England.
"England will be a big hurdle, but it will be a classic," said Zwanziger, who admitted Germany had been stunned by their 1-0 loss to Serbia which had put a question mark over their qualification.
"This team has long had a hard time. I had the feeling that we were missing some self-confidence," he said.
"Ghana were not a top team, but we have achieved our minimum goal, so now I think we will see an improved performance."
In 31 games between the two European powers, Germany have 10 wins, England have 15 with six draws.
Few English fans will need reminding it was Germany who were beaten 4-2 at Wembley when captain Bobby Moore lifted the 1966 World Cup on home soil.
But Germany have held the upper hand at major tournaments since, winning the nail-biting penalty shoot-out in Turin to win the 1990 World Cup semi-final on their way to the title.
And it was England defender Gareth Southgate's missed penalty at Wembley which saw Germany win the Euro '96 semi-final before the Germans won the final with current team manager Oliver Bierhoff scoring the winning goal.
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