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?
Pajovic
Guest
But why were they chasing so early? Surely bide your time, pass the ball and create chances. All they needed was one. Instead, Gerrard's hollywood kicks, Terry's lack of positioning and a general absence of a plan killed them. Ordinary players made to look good due to the plethora of excellence that they play alongside in the premiership. When it was 11 Englishmen, frailties were exposed. This was the WC finals, a different level to qualification.
Scott Adams
Guest
Hardly a thrashing. At 2-2 the momentum was with England - for the thirty minutes around half time they were the best team on the pitch. The Germans went 3-1 up on the break as England committed men forward to score an equaliser they'd already scored.
JonnyP
Guest
I'm with you Colin , as an England fan I'm disappointed with the result. If the goal was given I thnk we probably have won as we seem to raise our game when the adrenaline flows. But on the day the Germans were definitely the superior side. I'm already on my way to put a tenner on them at Euro 2012.
Colin N
Guest
Oh, and I forgot to say, well done Germany and good luck in the next round. They have a lot of young, talented players, who played without fear and were clinical.
Whites
Guest
Yes. Germany put both teams to the sword because they were very successful on the counter-attack when the other team was trying to chase the game.
Colin N
Guest
I'm sorry, but as an England fan, there's no real excuses. Taking the goal out of the equation, Germany were better throughout the game - England were outplayed. The system was wrong, there is a lack of pace and defensively, we were a shambles. All of the goals could have been prevented. Yes, they caught us one the break, but Barry gave the ball away which led to the third and should have got the ball out of play for the fourth. Either that, or being cynical, he should have fouled him. Re: The goal, or none goal. It was an awful mistake and hopefully, it will open up a debate. However even though at the time I was furious, it can't mask a woeful performance.
Colin N
Guest
The best idea seemed to be the chip in the ball which tells the referee if the ball has gone over the line. tests were carried out and reportedly successful, but Blatter decided not to go ahead with it.
dasilva
Guest
As much as I support video referee Using that technology wouldn't have prevented that mistake or at least wouldn't have prevented that mistake directly. It would have been used to review all goals that are given. If they don't give the goal then it would have been play on as they would have not used the technology to stop play. The only way it would have prevented that mistake is that with video referee, the referee would be more willing to call it a goal and give the benefit of the doubt to attacking sides in all goal line decisions because they know that video referee will ensure that all goals will be correct.
The Special One
Guest
Yes i agree with that, but the way Germany put them (and Australia) to the sword when required was pretty awesome. Good thing to see the second half of this tournament has come alive after a very slow start!!
Dejan Kalinic
Roar Guru
Something MUST. As for ruthless Germany (your earlier comment).. My issue is that the game with Lampard's goal is 2-2. In the second half, England had to chase and they got done on the counter attack. The finishing was ruthless from Germany but the opportunity to create chances was always going to be there when a team is chasing the game. That decision has turned the game because the way it is played is decided by it.
The Special One
Guest
Technology wont happen but an extra official on the goal line will.
Secret Squirell
Guest
Its nice seeing england getting a thrashing though, however the case for GLT is now a no brainer.
The Special One
Guest
The best thing is that Blatter is in the stands and will have Egg all over his face. Saying that the germans will say its payback for 66 !! Germans have been ruthless though in the second half. England's midfield is non existent much like Australia's was in the first game. Mesut Ozil is a class player as well.
Whites
Guest
2-2. Half-time great second goal there for England. The introduction of the video ref at this world cup has run smoothly so far. Excellent decision by Sepp Blatter and the FIFA executive to bring in the video ref at this world cup after the series of trials over recent years.
Ken Bailey's Probation Officer
Guest
Much as I want it to happen, I just can't see England winning. Germany may be young, but they'll be too quick around the park for us. Despite outplaying Slovenia for large parts of the game we still made hard work of a 1-0 win. and we'll need to have improved significantly for that run to get anything from Germany.
Mega
Guest
And the Italians do nothing.
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Probably the best thing I read about the round of 16 is, 'This World Cup is like World War II. France leave early, USA arrive late, and England are left fighting the Germans.' Ha!
Al
Guest
C'mon England, lets smash the krauts!
Dejan Kalinic
Roar Guru
I agree NY! The South Americans are playing with a little bit more dare than the Europeans at the moment. I hope the conservative attitude is lessened a little by the European nations. Rooney's the man for me - I know England fans would have loved to see him open his account against Slovenia (and he should have). There's a lot of questions that need answering.
Fisher Price
Guest
Glen Johnson's rubbish.