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As we begin to get used to the knockout stages of the World Cup, we face a mouth-watering encounter between rivals England and Germany tonight.
What and who are the keys and more importantly, who will come out victorious?
Australians have watched the Germans intensely in this World Cup after both were drawn in Group D.
Unfortunately, the Socceroos saw the best of Germany in the opening group game, resulting in a 4-0 drumming.
One of the key Germans in that performance was attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil.
The 21-year-old Werder Bremen midfielder has developed into one of the stars of the tournament.
He was quieter against Serbia, although his danger was illustrated on more than one occasion before he was unlucky to be substituted.
He scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Ghana.
Given too much space, Ozil can thread passes or use powerful balls along the ground to beat defenders.
It’s probably going to be left to Gareth Barry to curb his influence.
When Serbia beat Germany, it used five men in midfield to ensure it could win and retain possession.
It worked, but if Fabio Capello were forced to do the same it will probably mean Wayne Rooney is forced deeper than he would perhaps like.
He has been a little rusty in front of goals and under an injury cloud, but even seemed happy to drop a little deeper against Slovenia to get involved.
Yet, one could ask whether Capello is considering involving the 201cm Peter Crouch, particularly after Serbian striker Nikola Zigic caused the German defence a number of problems.
Germany will welcome back Miroslav Klose from suspension, and he could be up against Jamie Carragher, who may also be back in place of Matthew Upson.
Chelsea’s John Terry will also be in the centre of defence.
Joachim Low’s major injury concern is over Bastian Schweinsteiger with a thigh that could weaken his midfield.
A key battle will be played on the left of England’s attack.
The two respective captains, Steven Gerrard and Phillip Lahm, will both play crucial roles.
Both are attacking players, but Lahm’s influence going forward could be curbed due to having to watch Gerrard.
The upper hand early will prove vital with one of these men forcing the other onto the back foot.
England has only scored twice in this tournament – through Gerrard and Jermaine Defoe – and the worry over attacking avenues remains.
Rooney can be the difference in this one – his country needs him to fire.
The Germans have found the net five times, but Klose is a proven scorer while Lukas Podolski, Thomas Muller and Ozil are extremely dangerous.
It’ll be tight and could go the distance. Germany (just) for me.
What’s your prediction?
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