LOOKS LIKE A 70s NBA GAME SO FAR:

England vs. Germany in World Cup round of 16 (Steven Goff, 6/27/10, Washington Post)

The sleepy city of Bloemfontein has made preparations for its biggest event ever, most importantly relaxing alcohol regulations so the English and German fans can enjoy a beer or two.

The two sides have played in numerous big matches, with England taking a 4-2 win in the 1966 World Cup final and Germany (well, West Germany) knocking out the champions with an extra-time win in the quarterfinals four years later. West Germany also defeated the Three Lions in the 1990 semifinals, on penalty kicks, and also scored a penalty-kick win in the 1996 European Championship semifinals (the tournament was held in England).

The Germans are exploiting the fatal weakness that the US exposed but refused to exploit--you can destroy England by running right through the middle of its "defense." And it's amazing that after several years of Capello the English still end up with six guys surrounding the ball on the 18 yard line. Lampard and Gerrard just can't play together and Defoe is useless.

On the other hand, Germany doesn't even pretend to defend. They have to attack.

This one could end 6-5 even with the disallowed goal.

Posted by Orrin Judd at June 27, 2010 9:51 AM