So, after Hamburg decided to burn down St.Pauli last night following Germany’s win over Ghana, I think it is time for a breather and asses the situation. Especially, in light of Germany having to play England in the next match, a knock out game.

I think England will win the game. Not because they play better, and not because Germany play worse, but because any game between England and Germany is always emotionally charged. More so than potentially any other game.

From an English perspective, beating Germany in football always comes back to reliving the glory, and really, the last “great” national event, of defeating Germany in WW2. Historically, that really was the last “great” achievement England had as nation. It signaled the end of the empire as they knew it, and their role as a leader on the world stage. Everything in English popular culture since then is based on this. The role of the underdog winning – and sadly, on a historical, global scale this was also the last “great” event for Great Britain.

From a German perspective, beating England comes down to a sportive question – beating the team and country that invented football, our favourite past time in Germany. And that’s it really. Historically, having lost WW2 and rightfully having undergone, a not yet completely successful psychological metamorphous  Germany focuses only the game and ignores the larger political & emotional charges that these games with England bring with them. Every time we win against England, Germany almost feels sorry for winning.

And that’s why I think England will win this. The emotionality of this game is something the young German squad can’t grasp. It’s a competition to them, and that’s them. Whereas, for the English team, the media and country as a whole, this will be a second D-Day. As per usual.

Both teams aren’t particularly good at this stage, but I think England will have the greater motivation to win this game than Germany.

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Considering the most pathetic period of “leadership” we are currently suffering in Germany at a time when we really need this, sadly, seems to be the only option and truth.

Back to Football. There are men and then there are Italian Football players. Seriously Guys.

So, too early to really make a bold statement, especially since I am yet to watch the Germany game tonight but a few things that popped into mind so far.

That damn trumpet needs to go. I shit on some manufactured cultural icon, which is exactly what it is, and it just, literally, blows. I miss the fans. End of discussion.

Maradonna is a real gangster. In the real sense of the word and in the “Yo MTV Raps” sense of the word. I mean, who can pull off a mullet, earings, and a pretty nasty but cool ass suit and yet manage to fuck with every linesman on the pitch like he’s selling crates of coke and still “manage” the best team on the pitch so far?

England, and it pains me to say this, were beyond awful yesterday. Nevermind, the poor performance by Mr.Green, but where’s the team play? There was no structure, and as soon as things didn’t go their way, they resulted to the 1980s UK way of playing, long balls, and let’s hope someone is in the penalty area. Speaking of “their way of playing” – what is it exactly? I did not see any structure, no theory, just bullshit. I still haven’t written England off, but one their performance last night was emberrasing. What pissed me of the most was that after the 75th minute, they just gave up, content with a draw. Nothing against the US team, but a draw is not acceptable. Oh, and most pathetic, Gerrard blaming it on the ball after the game. Just because Umbro kitted you out mate, doesn’t mean you can bash the adidas ball. Or any ball for that matter. Overpaid twit.

i’d like to reiterate and update the post below….

in order for us Yanks to overcome England, they could use some of these happenings to reoccur…

terrific keeping

friendly sportsmanship

couple of these…

better yet, it’s already been written about.