Best Germany - England clashes from the past!

England star Wayne Rooney had already expressed his desire to lock horns with Germany earlier this month and the Manchester United forward will get his wish to face the Nationalelf in the first knock-out round of the 2010 World Cup on Sunday.

The Germans topped their group after beating Ghana 1-0 in the last match of the group stage, while the Three Lions had to settle for second spot in their group, despite beating Slovenia 1-0 on Matchday 3.

English Victories

The clash between Germany and England has quite an impressive history and previous meetings have led to some controversial moments. The most famous game between both nations is without a doubt the final of the 1966 World Cup at Wembley. Englishmen and Germans still don't agree on whether Geoff Hurst's goal had indeed crossed the goal-line. However, what counts most is that the referee awarded England a goal, eventually leading to the Three Lions' biggest success in history, winning the World Cup.
The 4-2 triumph for England was only one out of two victories for the Three Lions over their bitter rivals in a match of substance. The Nationalelf won't exactly have sweet memories of their 5-1 defeat in the qualification campaign for the 2002 World Cup either. Michael Owen netted a hattrick back then to humiliate Germany in Munich. Aside from these two matches, Germany have been the dominant side against England.

First German Win In 1968

Only two years after their controversial loss in the World Cup final, the Germans bounced back and beat England for the first time in history. Franz Beckenbauer was the one who led Germany to their first ever win against England after failing to record a victory in their previous 12 meetings.

Der Kaiser's goal was the start of a new era, in which the Germans proved to be too strong for England in important matches. Uwe Seeler headed the Nationalelf to victory against at the 1970 World Cup, while the Three Lions were also eliminated by 'ze Germanz' at Euro 1972, the 1982 World Cup, the 1990 World Cup and at Euro 1996.

Waddle And Southgate - 'The Donkeys'

One of Germany's favourite ways to beat their bitter rivals was via the penalty shoot-out. During Germany's triumph at the 1990 World Cup, Chris Waddle was the one who failed to convert his spot kick when it mattered most, thus ending England's World Cup hopes.
Six years later at the European Championships in England, the Three Lions' title ambitions were once again frustrated from twelve yards. Gareth Southgate was his side's 'donkey' this time when he failed to find the net from the spot in England's semi-final against Germany.

Lineker: "In The End Germany Always Win"

"Normally, every team could beat their opponent when it comes to spot kicks, unless England play against Germany," as English legend Gary Lineker once said.

"Football is a game for 22 people that run around, play the ball, and one referee who makes a slew of mistakes, and in the end Germany always win."

It remains to be seen though whether the English will be in tears again after Sunday's match...