England vs. Germany: Don't mention the score
London, England - When it comes to relations between England and Germany it’s hard not to mention the war. It's certainly the case with football, which proved a symbol of peace in World War One when German and English troops stopped fighting one Christmas and instead played each other at soccer.
However, it was used by Hitler for propaganda just prior to World War Two, when the England team gave a Nazi salute at an international game in Berlin.
Official matches between the two sides date back 110 years. The most famous came in the 1966 World Cup final, when a hat-trick from Geoff Hurst earned England a 4-2 extra-time victory over the then West Germany - a match that England fans now recall with the chant of “two World Wars and one World Cup.”
The West Germans took their revenge at the next World Cup in June 1970, when they came from 2-0 down in the quarterfinals to knock out England 3-2. The result so demoralized the folks back home that then British Prime Minister Harold Wilson blamed the defeat for his Labour Party losing the general election four days later.
Overall, England have won 12 of the 27 meetings between the countries, and Germany - or West Germany - have been victorious on 10 occasions, with five games drawn.
Two of those stalemates resulted in penalty shoot-outs, with Germany winning both - first at the 1990 World Cup semifinals in Italy, then in the last four again at the 1996 European Championship when England was the host nation.
It’s little wonder then that the current England World Cup squad have spent considerable time practicing penalties, while goalkeeper David James has studied statistics and video of his opponents’ most likely penalty-takers.
Historically, England may have had problems scoring from the penalty spot but they’ve had no trouble hitting the net from open play. Overall they have outscored the Germans 47-34 across all their games, including a crushing 5-1 World Cup qualifying victory in Munich in 2001 that prompted one UK tabloid newspaper to crow: “Don’t mention the score.”
Given all this history, it’s unsurprising that the build-up to Sunday's game in Bloemfontein has generated its share of trash talk. German legend Franz Beckenbauer has described England, the oldest squad in the tournament, as a kick-and-rush team that's been fatigued by the long Premier League season.
Then there’s Kevin Keegan – who quit as England boss following defeat by Germany in the last competitive match at the old Wembley Stadium - insisting that the young German side is "definitely beatable.” (Serbia showed Germany in the current tournament that he's not wrong on that count.)
Whoever wins, Sunday will be but the latest instalment in one of football's most enduring international rivalries. The only certainty is that come what may, some fans will continue to mention the war.
Only Americans would talk about war in the context of a football game.
"England team gave a Nazi salute at an international game in Berlin."
Surley, it was the German team that gave the Nazi salute?
You should hear the comparison some of the tabloids in England are making: "It's like the war again: the French have dropped out, the Americans will arrive later and we'll have to face the Germans alone"
Haha coming second in our group has opened up a nightmare route. We may have to face Germany, Argentina and then Brazil!
Well you here the war-metaphors just in USA and England...
not in Germany...
Pretty boring and embarrassing btw...
But say whatever you want to say. We don't care
They will always mention the war, but it's football (sorry, soccer i mean)
and it's 2010, not 1940.
Peace from Germany!
There is some rivalry between England and Germany, but Holland is the true arch-rival of Germany.
The news of Germany's win at football against England in the 1970 World Cup very quickly reached a Himalayan base-camp where members of an Internation climbing team were resting. The German leader of the expedition on hearing the 'good news' of Germany's win, over the camp radio, strolled over to an English member of the team: "I see we have beaten you at your National Sport.", the dry reply being: "Ah yes, but we beat you at yours – twice."
You might want to edit your last sentance for factual accuracy... It should read "The only certainty is that come what may, some [English] fans will continue to mention the war."
Duh....see Ballacks opinion in The Times. For the Germans this is an important match but not in the way the English see it. Ballack even says he doesn't understand why the English see it as something extraordinally big.
The one real rival for Germany actually does come from a country west of theirs, but it's a bit closer. Hint; they are known for the very bright color they wear 😉
The English like to believe the Germans care about them. They don't. Germany doesn't have a rivalry with England, it has with the Netherlands.
CMON GHANAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Black Stars have done Africa proud!
The Beauty of SA2010 is the levelling of the field.
In modern day International Football form on the day and confidence are paramount.
Experience of past World tournaments are valuable but as the departure of Italy and France has shown, any team found wanting on the day will crash out.
As the tournament progresses and pressure grows, lets see whether when the focussed support of the continent is funnelled into Ghana, they can rise to the occasion and beat Brazil on Penalties in the final.... just as they did in the recent U20 World Cup in Egypt!
For Africa I truly hope they go far, but its the World Cup, anything can happen!
Either way History will be made – the departure of Champions Italy has ensured that!
Soka Afrika Producer (and CNN Superfan)
Simon Laub
Well lets hope that the English team doesn't need our help to beat Germany this time because our soccer skills do not match our military skills. Deutsche sieg
I'm going for an England win here. Although Germany is more cohesive as a team, i think that, psychologically, their last perfomance in the group stage has given them a boost, whereas the Germans' perfomance sort of waned after a fantastic first match (albeit helped by Cahill's harsh sending off).
Ooops, I meant England's last perfomance in the group stage gave ENGLAND a psychological edge over Germany.
I think 'Don't Mention the Score' is a play on a Fawlty Towers skit and not the 2001 Munich Game.
*score sounds like war.
Deutchland, Deutchland, uber alle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Germany! Kick some butt! 🙂
Love the reference to "Don't mention the war." Basil Fawlty would be proud.
The England team get's worse every world cup....I'm tired of all the false hope and promises – My money is on the Krauts to beat England, Argentina and maybe even Spain – And then face Brazil in the final!!! How is that for making a bold statement??
WW2 is still on!
Don't be surprised to hear the damnbusters theme being hummed tomorrow at some point.
'Surley, it was the German team that gave the Nazi salute?'
Alas no, it was the English team as well. It was a couple of years before WWII kicked off and no one knew any better.
There wouldn't have been any controversy if it had just been the Germans giving the Nazi salute. It's when others joined in that there was a potential for uproar afterwards.
JoshuaD June 26th, 2010 5:44 pm ET
"England team gave a Nazi salute at an international game in Berlin."
Surley, it was the German team that gave the Nazi salute?
Unfortunately not. Hitler forced the English team to give the Nazi salute if they wanted to take the pitch. After the war, many of the English players tried to say that they refused and never did to cover up the fact they did in the 30's (I think it was '38?).
"Der Ball ist rund und das Spiel dauert 90 Minuten." – I go with that Sepp Herberger quote (the ball is round and the match takes 90 minutes).
After the match, we will be smarter (or not) and everyone will know why one team won and the other did not.
Grüße aus Illinois von einem Exildeutschen – greetings from Illinois from a German immigrant.
pic to prove it.
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/ARSEhapgood1.jpg
A direct order from Sir Neville Henderson the British Ambassador in Berlin. The players were told that the political situation between Britain and Germany was now so sensitive that it needed "only a spark to set Europe alight". As a result the England team reluctantly agreed to give the Nazi salute.
Stupidity seems infectious.
England and Germany are (for those who missed history) befriended nations, since...well, about four times your ages.
This is not a war-related event.
It's a football game between pro's
Tabloids like Bild and The Sun ignore the most important thing: We all hate the French.
Have fun my neighbours
GJ from The Netherlands
It's funny how England thinks they had anything to do with winning WW2. I guess getting your asss saved by Russia and USA equates winning. Before that they were a dog with their tale between it's legs, getting bombed every night.
Damien, you're ridiculous...Terry Badoo (the author, in case you didn't bother to check) is British and is clearly writing from that perspective. Personally, I think it's pretty insightful commentary about an intriguing rivalry.
For Damien who stated "Only Americans would talk about war in the context of a football game."
The author of this piece is not American but British and although based in the U.S. works for CNN international.
The real issue with the English is that Germany, even though having lost two wars, is the most powerful country in Europe. Germany has moved on and developed into modern society while England still lives in the past.
I have never understood the German bashing of the Brits. Their royalty are all have German ancestry (the Mountbattens were, prior to 1917, the Battenburgs) and consider themselves German (see recent quote by Princess Eugenie), and the Brits ADORE their royals...so, what hypocrites! They would be nothing without Germany. And since 1966, haven't even made it to the semifinals of any international contest.
Seems they are only good at playing with themselves.
This comparison with WWII is a fun, nothing serious. Both sides know its soccer and nothing but soccer. Even I hope that our german team will go to the next round, I will not sleep bad should England win. In case, unlikely as it is (soccer is a game for 22 players, played with a ball, on a field with two goals... and Germany wins), England would go to the next ground, I will just turn into an England fan since I am anglophile since my school time.
@CedarRapids – It was May 14, 1938, after Hitler had already annexed Austria.
@JoshuaD- It was part of Britain's appeasement efforts. The gesture came before a match against Germany in Berlin. There's an article on the Daily Mail website about the "shameful picture" that wasn't published in Britain until 2008.
Time to grow up. No wonder the world is in such a mess when we act so silly over a game.
Maybe we should go back to the people fighting lions thing. Now that would be fun!
Englishmen: bad with food, teeth,and football. And no sense of humor at all.
Germany 2 x England 0
As a dual citizen of UK and USA I take offense to this ridiculous article that opens with reference to "it's not hard to mention the war ". I'd be pissed if I was a German reading this. Germans as a rule are sensitive and not proud of this era and I am sure will think we are asses if reading this from a major media platform of the USA. I really think it is inappropriate.
the Nazi salute was only a gesture to mean your heart goes in Peace
It's so true. The English think the Germans care about them–but the Germans don't even think about Enfgland. Ever. Having lived both in England and in Germany, I can tell you one thing–the English have an inferiority complex towards the Germans. And please, Englishmen–you didn't come close to winning either war. The US saved your butts.
too bad the football rules don't allow the US to help if the germans start giving the english a hard time.....
In addition, it is SO obvious this article was wriiten by a Brit. The bias is amazing.
Awkward, those eternally 'stuck-in-the-past' Brits rehashing 'the war'. Awkward, seeing 'the empire' wither, famous British brands like Bentley and Rolls being recued by Germans... awkward that modern Germans barely think of any 'rivalry' with the Brits... instead, they just see them as 'fun neighbors' that make Monty Python movies, 'Faulty Towers' and other hilarious stuff... and speak ENGLISH, which they love to practise on them...
Was 'the war' really the last glorious moment for Britain? Let's hope not. Let's hope they can come up with more genius products like Stilton and no more bad ideas like bad animals feed that causes 'mad-cow-disease'. After all now we have the Americans produce 'Austin Powers' faux-Brit humor and the Indians rescue Range Rover and Jaguar... awkward!
Can't we all just get along and have some more 'funny Brits' that make great comedies to keep Germans and Americans entertained??? And we love that queen!
Why England and not Germany as a Brazilian?
Here in Brazil we have learned English as our second language;
We learned that football [soccer] was created in England;
Germany already has three titles;
We fought alongside the British in World War II.
[But today we have nothing against Germans here, and there are millions of Germans who came to Brazil to work and are very prosperous and dear here]
Today we know the chucruts by the Germans as well as hot dogs and sausages. lol
Many cities in southern Brazil were founded by Germans.
But in general we just want to beat England.
That is the truth and nothing but
God and Jesus Christ our Lord bless all
Wow now this looks like it will be a great match. Two powerhouses Germany and England. I think this could be the most competitive game of the entire World Cup! Greetings from the USA
Wake me up when American football starts. I just can't get excited by a 0-0 tie. It's like watching paint dry or grass grow.
England is so over rated. Germany will kick some arse tomorrow.
@Damien
"Only Americans would talk about war in the context of a football game."
Actually, "don't mention the war" is a very English joke from an episode of the comedy Faulty Towers. And English fans regularly taunt their German rivals by chanting "Two world wars and one World Cup!"
"Surely...England......Nazi salute"
Alas, they all knew better, but they did it anyway. cfp. Arianizona.
Nothing changes.
@ Damien: Only the Americans would talk about war in the context of football? I can assure you the exact opposite is the case. Talk to any football fan from any European country whose team is facing the Germans and I guarantee you the war will come up within one minute. The Germans are probably the only ones who will not mention the war. Three post-war generations having grown up with the shame of their country having started three wars in 80 years (the Franco-Prussian war being the first) have led to, in my view, the most pacifist population in Europe and polite as well. Just ask Gary Lineker from England, who, after having been beaten by the Germans in the 1990 semi-final, ran into two German players in the doping test room–no gloating, no mockery, but pure politeness. The problem with the Germans, however, is that over the years, they have shown to be good at football–efficient, organized and talented with a never-give-up mentality. In all, it is not a good mixture for letting other countries forget about the war(s). And if they will, their tabloid media (especially the British) will not let them. "Football is War" said the legendary Dutch coach Rinus Michels in the seventies. Or, as Gary Lineker put it after the above-referenced match: "Football is a simple game; 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win." Good luck England–you know you need it.
Come on Germany repeat 1970 and later......
I love Germany. I love England. I have studied the literature, music, philosophy, and art–the things that survive even the most brutal aberrations of political history–of both nations for 50 years. I wish as an American that the USA still enjoyed the democratic vitality and proud multiculturalism of either nation. But if someone gives the Nazi salute at the big game this year or in any year, don't call that person English or German. Call him what he actually is: a man without a country, a thug, a skinhead, a mindless drunk. (But don't say that to his face, of course. He will kick you really hard.) Go England. Go Germany. I will cheer no matter who scores or wins. God bless the World Cup.
"Birdynator June 26th, 2010 8:55 pm ET
"They will always mention the war, but it's football (sorry, soccer i mean)
and it's 2010, not 1940."
and so we should mention the war right up until you germans do feel ashamed about it, if you lot didnt have such a cocky arrogant attitude wherever you go things would be different my friend, its a good job its only a game of soccer and not a war, cos you cant win them!!!!
vindaloo vindaloo nar nar!!!
@ Aydem Kyhibi: Don't worry, you will only face Germany 😉
@ JoshuaD: Since it was prior to WW2, the Nazi salute by the English players was probably a sign of politeness, like Germans would have bowed to the King of England.
@ the author: First, you forgot to mention the most important reason for this rivalry. Since 1966, any time England has faced Germany when it mattered (most notably Euro Cup 1996 and World Cup 1990), England lost. In penalty shooting. And Germany went on to win the title. Man, I'm glad I'm not English...
Second, neither in England nor in Germany do even the most passionate football fans compare today's match to a war. We live in an age where - thankfully - we do not feel the need to express our cultural pride (and national superiority) by invading countries and taking lives. There are a lot of other epic stories surrounding this match-up, but apparently CNN has not reached the 21st century yet 🙁
for heavens sake,forget the Nazy's...they are garbage.................
The English can rest assured that when the Germans start to beat them too badly, the Americans will swoop in and save them.
Sad for England and its tabloids that they still have to resort to wartime rhetoric. Probably makes them feel like they still matter in this world. You don't see any drama queens or egomaniacs on the German team, they're actually good people who deserve to go all the way. Send the Brits home, go Germany!
I like both Germany and England ,but when it comes to the situation they play against each other ,I stand on England !
It is true that when we are taking a break of the world’s crisis across the spectrum feels out of touch bringing up political issues, like this, I agree in this. At the same time it is flat wrong stating that American people are the only one that mixes politics and sports. Each and every dictatorship regime uses for politics everything, including sports. The people might be starving, but the regime always finds resources to assign for these issues, like sports, that could bring false conclusions about the goodies of the system, this is their way to show to the world their achievements, and all of them hate our country. They might not have freedom of speech, but they find always ways to throw out all that it takes to make them look humanitarian, concern about the health of their people, and so on. There are many examples, olds, new, and remaining from al times, like Soviet Union, East Germany, Cuba, and we will see more with the new Spanish speaking wave, like Venezuela, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Bolivia. In spite of all this, those that want to look where they can see look at countries that deserves admiration and do not capitalize from their achievement in the sport, countries with proud and courage, like Honduras and the great performance for a poor country, without tradition of being in a World Cup. We are not perfect but believe me we are one of few countries where we can have an authentic freedom of speech for everybody. It might not like to some people, but we all defend everybody’s right to dissent.
what this article fails to mention is that englands goal in 66 against germany didn't cross the goal line and it's called "the ghost goal". They basically robbed the tournament, even joao havelange, FIFA's ex boss from brasil admitted to it on a book he wrote after retiring.
Fawlty Towers says don't mention the war. 🙂
it's really sad English newspapers have so little niveau! There is no reason to compare soccer with war. We live in a peaceful Europe and we should be happy about it. I guess England is just very jealous because they only won one title, so they try to tease Germany! Even if the would win, the'll never make it to the final!
@Damien: Terry is from England. Not USA.
surely people who does not know how to play soccer will talk about war. England have world cup once in home , that too not without controversy. USA can not handle Ghana . So basically BBC/CNN does will try to use WW 1, 2 to set some satisfaction that they beat German sometime. But this not war and complete non sense to talk about it in 2010 from wolrd cup soccers perspective.
Ok , enough said , lets see what happens tomorrow on the pitch .....
All your comments are hilarious! I am looking forward to a hopefully great match!
Well I Hope Germany And USA Win In The End. Im For Both. Im Born And Proud To Be An American...And Have Been In Germany Sines 02
The salute was part of the opening ceremony, when the teams marched past the host country's officials and acknowledged them in some way. The salute given in 1936 was actually the Olympic salute, a stupid idea, which required the athlete to extend his/her arm horizontally out to the side, and which looked ridiculously like the German Nazi salute. The USA team refused to do it. Hitler used those Olympic salute in propaganda.
it is always an intense match for both Germany and England. Having watched both games this week in the UK and now back in Köln to watch us play today. I am surprised how much more important the game is for the English than it is for the Germans. For the English there is no greater Rival than Germany, for Germay England is just one of many teams that dont like us and so yes the Dutch are maybe a more intense match for us. Pity we could not beat the French, but they seemed to run a soap opera rather than a proper football team 😉
Never been a huge German fan but England are going to lose tomorrow. England don't have the depth in their squad!
Don't mention Wembley and the penalty kicks *lol*
Did you know that England beat Germany only once since 1970 in 2001? An Englishmen described soccer the following:"Soccer is an easy game in which 22 player are chasing the ball for 90 minutes, and at the end wins Germany."
Yeah, I don't get the war references either. It's not like the German team has to play against an American, Russian and English team all at the same time.
Im German, from Berlin. Take it from me, I agree, only an American would write that the Brits or Germans will speak about WWII in the context of football. This is the view of an American that knows little about life and culture in Europe. Its just made up to make an article sound dramatic, and it falls terribly flat... unless you are yourself an American that has no familiarity with Europe.
Im German, from Berlin. Take it from me, I agree, oI cant think of any European writing that the Brits or Germans will speak about WWII in the context of football. This is the view of an American that knows little about life and culture in Europe. Its just made up to make an article sound dramatic, and it falls terribly flat... unless you are yourself an American that has no familiarity with Europe.
JoshuaD June 26th, 2010 5:44 pm ET
"England team gave a Nazi salute at an international game in Berlin."
Surley, it was the German team that gave the Nazi salute?
this was probably before the nazi regime became what it is known as today. probably when it seemed like they were just there to create something new and not destroy the world.
it's quite amusing really – The english are convinced that most other european countries (especially the french and germans) hold the same xenophic, biggoted, tabloid-esque views of the english – In reality, the french and germans don't spend near as much time occupying themselves thinking about their cross-channel english neighbours -. I guess the english have to amuse themselves somehow on that cold, grey island of theirs. 😉
" Damien June 26th, 2010 4:39 pm ET
"Only Americans would talk about war in the context of a football game."
*** Two posts later
*An Englishman June 26th, 2010 7:19 pm ET
You should hear the comparison some of the tabloids in England are making: "It's like the war again: the French have dropped out, the Americans will arrive later and we'll have to face the Germans alone"
---------------------------
Really, Damien dude? Really? Only in America, huh (yawn).
The most hilarious part of all this is that for any self-respecting German football fan, the biggest rivalry is in fact with the Netherlands and not England...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany_and_Netherlands_football_rivalry
2-1 for Germany. English fans are shocked.
maybe the english should get help from the americans half way through the game ? It worked 67 years ago.
I hope German wins !!!! The Dutch want to meet Germany in this tournament. In America maybe you dont know but Holland vs Germany is THE match .. its an absolute thriller !!! So Germany ... win from England so we can teach you a lesson you will never forget !!!!
Funny. I browsed through the BBC website and nowhere did I see the British press obsess about, or even mention the war rivalry between the two nations.
Damien, you're wrong. It is actually only the Brits who do that. In Germany, the football rivalry between England and Germany is almost non-existent... The Dutch are viewed as much more of a rival than the English.
It's interesting that some of you say that the Germans don't care about England and don't have a rivalry with them. Why don't you speak to Jurgen Klinsman (German superstar and ex-manager)?http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_51.
ENGLISH team giving Nazi salute in Berlin, Germany in 1938!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-513358/Shameful-picture-England-squad-giving-Nazi-salute-haunts-British-sport-Why-70-years-later-suck-dictators.html
Guys, i read all your comments, and i ask myself why you arent shame about yourself to speak about war...
I am German and i think we will lose today.
England has got a brilliant team, powerful, fast..
Germany isnt good as england.
But infact i dont care about who is winning because in the quater final, the winner will lose vs Argentinia
germans started both world wars ... they will pay for it tomorrow . go england!!! 3:0 always against germany
additionally my tip..
England vs Germany 4:1
Being German I have been living in this beautiful country for years However, there are a few things which I find quite appalling, i.e. the "drinking culture" and the obsession with WW 2 (not only when England is playing Germany in football).
It is a general obsession which can only be explained by the fact that post WW2 Britain never matched post WW2 Germany, for example, in terms of a successful economy, infrastructure and health care. I love England, the country, the people but this strange fascination with WW2 is gradually getting ridiculous.
1990??? not only WEST Germany Team, but all germans. 1989 was the German reunification....
Anyway , that will be an good game.
Beckenbauer : We call it a Klassiker. 🙂
Ps: germany – england 5:0
On May 14, 1938, in Berlin's Olympic Stadium, the English football team were blackguarded by the Foreign Office and the Football Association into giving the "Heil Hitler" Nazi salute before a friendly game with Germany. It was a piece of contemptible cringing rendered even more pathetic and futile because Hitler, who hated sport, didn't bother to turn up.
It is the NOW – not the PAST that counts!
Go Germany!!
I recall flying into Heathrow ten years ago or so and the airport was littered with signs that simply said "4-0" The score in an England win over the Germans. Nothing more was really needed.
Damien, do some research before spouting off... The writer is half English and half Ghanaian...
doesnt quite matter who wins, because that team will go on to face argentina ( who will destroy mexico) and therefore face utter annihilation
Vamos Argentina
Mention the war all you like..
England started it, lost it in Dunkirk and then called for help to stand on the winning side.
Imagine we did the same every time you occupied a county and enslaved the indigenous population... I`m suprised you mention the war yourselves.
What a way to treat your oldest friends.
Never the less I feel England deserve a second if not a third World Cup. They have proven themselves more than worthy.
Should you win today, myself and many other Germans will hope to see you take it all the way and win it.
of course, England is the biggest rival, when it comes to soccer, and yes, we also do the war references, just black humor, nothin else. This Match IS important, the loosing team will face anger, dissapointment and shame, when returning home. Football is war without ammunition. A subsitute, that keeps the world a safe place.
I'm sorry but you won't meet Agentina. Today England is on it's way back home. 🙂
Nicht traurig sein, ist doch nur ein Spiel... 😉
@Damien: War is the purest form of sport, especially European wars, even there are rules of fair play.
Damien – and only people like Damien would bunch 300,000,000 under one umbrella of hatred.
i hope that germany will beat england,and finnaly sent them home,because they didn't deserve to contuinue this competition,considering their game
I don't care who wins this game. I just want to see some great soccer.
And here's a picture of said salute:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-513358/Shameful-picture-England-squad-giving-Nazi-salute-haunts-British-sport-Why-70-years-later-suck-dictators.html
Damien;
No, apparently London-educated English/Ghanaian former BBC presenters ALSO mentin the war in context to football. Nice bigotry there my friend, but you just scored an own goal!
(Next time, check the author's credentials before popping off with the ignorance)
JoshuaD;
No to you also. The English football team did indeed stick their hands up in the Nazi salute. Don't know WHAT they were thinking, but whatever it was, I'm sure they came to regret that moment.
@ Damien ... the writer of the article is a British citizen, not an American.
The soccer match in WWI was between the Germans and the Scots, not the English.
@JoshuaD
No, the England Team were 'ordered' by The FA to give the Nazi salute prior to a game in Berlin in 1938. England went on the win 6-3 in front of Hitler. Story on the link below.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/3128202.stm
Why do not you all wait for the result and who ever plays better is cheered up. Wars are gone for now.
i think, brits should start packing bags. I am sure germany going to kick ass today.. Best of luck deutschland. Football crazy dog from Asia
Why did CNN news anchor Terry Baddoo have to bring the German Fussball Team (I hate the word soccer) in context with Hitler and Nazi Germany...? Geeeezzz........Germany has been working so hard on its reputation in the past decades, and then comes Terry and mentions Hitler, Nazi Germany and German soccer in one breath – shame on you. You guys from the press need to ask yourself the following question every time you write an article: "We have the right to print something like this (freedom of the press, US constitution), but is it always the right thing to do?"
germany started two world wars.....now this will be # 3 !
fanta
Germany vs England 4:1
Germany will win the match because the english team (Island monkies) is to stupid to shoot penalties.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-513358/Shameful-picture-England-squad-giving-Nazi-salute-haunts-British-sport-Why-70-years-later-suck-dictators.html
Damien claims: "Only Americans would talk about war in the context of a football game."
How wrong you are! See:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/10426060.stm
http://ndtv.footballindia.com/news/England_vs_Germany_Everyone_Mentions_War/news-2010-june-news_20100627_2756/news_article.aspx
The problem is that the Germans' with their dour sense-of-humour don't realise that English taunts about the war are made in jest. The English sarcastic wit expects a response like "we saved your ass at Waterloo" but instead just gets angry goose-stepping.
The whole war thing is just a bit of a joke, and after living in Germany I found they often liked the joke, saying "I can't believe you stupid inefficient English won the war, how did it go so wrong??"
There is nothing wrong with the English press going down this route, I didn't see many English people getting bothered about the American reports of the 'Victory over England 1-1 draw', I actually found it quite amusing.
So lighten up Germany, enjoy the banter....otherwise your just embarrassing yourself.
COME ON ENGLAND!!!!!
what`s the fuss about germany and england. the chanmpion will come from latin america.. argentina or brazil
Now that the US team has been bounced, maybe the hundred or so Americans that care about soccer can get back to having a life.
What a boring sport. A field full of players who spend half the match standing around, resting up and watching the theatrics of those who pretend to be hurt.
Constant action, hardly. Great game for little girls, but about as physical and exciting as golf, darts, or bowling.
The Ghanads did us a favor.
Only Europeans would drag the U.S. into a soccer discussion about England and Germany. Let me guess, this is all George W. Bush's fault right?
Is the term "metaphor" familiar to you?
I have seen the picture...it was the German team who gave the Nazi salute. Not England.
Exactly.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/3128202.stm
@Damien, this story and the reporter are both British. Not American.
football is not only a sports in Europe and south america, it's a little bit like religion and the games between Germany and England are first of all for England continuing the war. Read newspapers from England, you will be surprised about the hate thats written there
I'm an American who loves soccer/football/whatever you want to call it, and I'm just glad some of the rest of us Yanks are starting to finally get it. I just look forward to watching the game. I'm married to an Irishman (devastated by the "Hand of Frog" incident) whose sister married an Englishman (hyperventilating about this upcoming match), and whose best friend's decades-long girlfriend is German. The world is getting smaller, which I for one am happy about. It'll be a trip to watch.
Damien, buddy... you should watch more football. I was at an England Germany match where the English were chanting "if you won the war, Stand Up!"
"Don't mention the war – don't mention the score"
Either way – this joke (presented also by the fabulous John Cleese in "Faulty Towers") is just for the British funny, but different than one might think...
Germans don't understand it, because first of all nowadays they regard the victory over Nazi Germany as painful for all but necessary step for liberation from a dictatorship. Secondly, the rapid rise of the "Wirtschaftswunderland" Germany after the war gave the Germans enough self-confidence not to be ashamed for the defeat.
Instead of relying on national pride and the bygone glory of the British Empire and the Commonwealth like the English did, the Germans took their economic power and their currency, the Deutsche Mark, as a symbol for national identity. Every German is also proud of the inventions, high-skilled craftsmanship and high quality products its nation is developing.
So when they hear about the gonzo titles above british tabloid articles excoriating the Germans they feel bewildered and amused about the diehard british anti-german propaganda. They regard it as a sign of inferiority complex of the British, who have won the war but lost the peace afterwards. Most of the working class Germans don't make these considerations, they regard those verbal assaults as the boastful talk of the inhabitants of "monkey island"...
England's song, to the tune of camptown races:
"Two World Wars and One World Cup, England all the Way;
Two World Wars and One World Cup, England all the wayyyy;
England All The Way, England All the Way;
Two World Wars and One World Cup, England all the way"
This is about football, not war, though in the field players are a bit less than warriors.
Score Germany 2 England 1
About mentioning the war – Glad I'm not the only one who thought that mentioning the war is a little untasteful. Haven't we moved past that oh, about a million times? It's time to teach our kids that it's important history, yes, but England and Germany are both our friends (and in many cases our ancestry- the ones who made this country what it is).
About Americans "arriving later" – we arrive late, we arrive early – either way – the world disapproves of what we do – the world likes us when it's to their advantage.
The "don't mention the war" like is a reference to the 1970's John Cleese TV comedy Fawlty Towers in which the ludicrous hotel keeper is discombobulated by the arrival of German visitors, receives a bang on the head, and marches round goose-stepping and shouting 'Heil Hitler.
Hence the headline Don't Mention The Score would immediately remind any British reader of Cleese's ludicrous parody of patriotism and would get a good laugh!
Let the huns know that the Yanks and the Brits will always be there to stop them. Whether it be war or Football. Go Brits!!!!!!!
Oh and by the way there are Millions of Americans that love Football even though we may call it by the wrong name. Keep an eye out we are coming .....
@Damien
Only an ignorant person would make a dumb post without research Terry Baddoo is not an American, but instead Half-English, Half-Ghanaian. Way to fail.
The French Olympic team also gave a Nazi salute.
Well Germany, I'm sorry to say that the War (both of them) will probably be referenced forever on all subjects from related to your – from football to economics. The harsh truth is that Hitler and all your uncles and grandfathers wrecked, burned, and destroyed almost every country that they wanted. Literally millions of soldiers and civilian men, women, and children rest prematurely in their graves because of this. We know it's not your fault...you were't even born – we get it. However, take the comments in stride. Embrace it. Never say it bores you – that is a slap in the face to the dead mentioned above. And remember – no one wants to deprive you of your national pride and your heritage. You had it all back after the war. You have Eisenhower, Patton, and Monty to thank for that.
– 3rd Army.
Now now now now...
We shouldn't be fighting like this. We have to think of the one thought that unites us all, Americans, English, German, Dutch, Brasilians:
Namely, that the French Team stunk up the joint.
"Only Americans would talk about war in the context of a football game.
Um, no. Actually Damien, it's the Brits - from their chants to their tabloids they constantly evoke the war in relation to the game. Two World Wars, thousands dead, the blitz, being attacked by a genocidal evil fascist state, etc. - it all made a big impression on them. Go figure.
That said, your willed ignorance, kneejerk anti-Americanism and inability to even read the article are all rather telling.
funny ppl still mention the war. so the match is over, the germans won and now I'm having a drink with my english mates. even though I am a german. right now the only one as far as i can see
It is real pathetic to witness England being defeated this way. What a refree on earth is this man? I feel sorry for England yet proud for Germany. But I hate the refree who let England down before the half time. How can FIFA not install super camera for huge World Cup? I wish if the clock can be turned back
Bhutan
It would be easier to forgive Germany for World War II if they hadn't thrashed us today. However, I don't believe the reports that Hitler's deputy, Martin Bormann, fled to Uruguay at the end of the war and that his grandson was the referee in today's game.
Don't blame the ref for not allowing England's equaliser – blame Sepp Blatter and FIFA for being blind to, or disinterested in, the truth about football games.
FIFA seem to drop the ball at every opportunity, and what's more, they seem to turn away from anything that can reveal the truth about football!
They refused to fairly address the France v Ireland issue after Henry's handball, ignoring the fact that millions of us saw the truth on TV seconds after the incident; they didn't ask South Africans to leave their horrible horns at home so the true sound (roars, gasps, groans, applause and cheers) of the vast majority of the crowd could be heard; they didn't agree to the use of limited appeals using slow motion video replays to definitively settle disputed referee decisions by quickly showing officials the true details of disputed incidents. .
So why do FIFA consistently turn their backs on decisions that can show us the truth we all want?. Hopefully, there'll be a completely new and enlightened FIFA board by the time of the next World Cup.
It is hard to believe that people connect a football game with a war that took place over 60 years ago. None of the Germans, whom I know, do. Perhaps that is the reason why they so clearly won.
Vamos Argentina!!!!!!!!
It looks Argentina will play vs Germany, it would be an awesome game to watch.
First of all:
Guys WW2 endet over 60 years ago...so get over it...the boys in our team are 24 years old they were born 40 years after the war...Germany payed for it very hard and we really changed we became a great country. We are very multicultural even in our team...the reason why England allways talk about the war is because they are afraid of us when it comes to FOOTBALL and the result of today 4:1 victory for Germany shows why.....
We in Germany don't care about England sure we don't like them but this is because they hate us and allways write trash about us...but we prefer giving the answer on the football field...
the problem is that they live in the past in every way and that is why they loose....the football they play would have been good in 1990 but not in 2010!!!!
(ho laughes best ,laughes last) it's you your turn to cry england you were so bad that we didn't is that we were all the sports men wereshocked by the way you play .you were bad ,verry bad is that english fooooooooot ball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
123 viva algerie
I'm Anglo-Scottish and have never once supported the English football team. I'm chuffed they lost today, it proved that once again the arrogance of the English media towards other nations is nothing short of foolish.
As for the war thing...well it is of no surprise that the majority of Germans hate us for always banging on about it. I mean, what German with half a brain cell would want to be constantly reminded of that part of their history?
But then, there are so many reasons why we do keep mentioning it. At least 6 million. And i'll give you a clue, none of them have anything to do with football.
I was asports writer at my first news job in Melbourne in 55, but since then rarerly cared about sports, been too busy raising two Sons as a single Dad.
However, being Welshborn, I was compelled to watch the game yesterday and I found the german team far superior in tactics, speed, defence and overall diligence. HYpe aside the england team looked disarayed, mismatched, tired and frustrated ! Prehaps if beckham wa playing and captain things would have been different. I am not at all impressed with capello, his antics,tantrums, bullying attitude or leadership ! I think a far more talented and better matched team could have been chosen !
fanta
To Germany: save us the trouble (Brazil) and please kick Argentina out of this WC... Geez that Maradona makes me sick with that arrogant look he has... Hope u guys make me proud so we can probably meet one more time in the finals and give everyone a good show!peace~
I am Scot’s and as my national team did not qualify for the finals that made me a neutral for these
games some posts here have confused British with English here. Well anyone who knows the football culture here will tell you there is no love between Scotland and England in football terms
and because the tv media like the bbc are English dominated it means we have a system of broadcasting content that is centred on there culture sport and history.
So the last thing you want despite England being our neighbours is for them to win.
Its because English media induced nationalism can take a nasty turn they think they are better than everyone.
Why say the england he have won the war ??? No he have won the war but not alone . Land vs land im 100% germany won
To Damien (First Post)
I know Americans are occasionally lambasted for ignorance, but you've really shown your own ignorance here. For your information, please look up http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_truce.
Also, at yesterday's match here in South Africa, the English supporters at one point sung the tune to 99 bottles of beer on the wall, replacing the lyrics with references to german fighter jets, being gunned down by the English.
It's always about the war. Even the soccer.
Also to everyone talking about how Germany's true rivals are the Dutch. Why do you think that is? Oh yeah, the WAR!
But you, Ghana, in the land of Africa are not the least among the rulers of the world; for out of you shall come the shining star of Africa who will shepherd my people ......go black stars go
Why so many people using this media access to show yourself pity??!!
It is just a sport and a game. Why have to take everything so personal and brought all kind of excuses and politics to the table??!!
I don’t see other countries complaining up to this level, after they lost their games.
For those people who have nerved to even use War II as a topic to referring to sport, that only show how shallow and uneducated you guys are.
Do some history homework instead of drinking alcohol, you people. Just within short 120 years, how many wars were caused by England?! All the way to China, India, Middle East to Africa, how many millions people were killed or suffered. Up to today, they are still paying the price. But no one even mentioned about "WHAT" your older generations have had done, and you people have no shame and still baiting what have happened over 60 years ago as your argument!!.
You people should using your amount of complaining energy to train your players to be better and show the world what you got on next World-Cup instead of complaining like a crying baby non-stop.
Be a good sport, and as an adult should able take it as is.
Ps. I can’t believe “CNN” allow/let those people to use your media as a communicating channel to attack other country for their own dam fault. And your media are talking about Justas, and even bring up a story regarding Nazi time during World War II. WHAT IS THIS HAVE TO DO WITH SPORTS??!! Unbelievable!!
Dave wrote: "I'd be pissed if I was a German reading this. Germans as a rule are sensitive and not proud of this era and I am sure will think we are asses if reading this from a major media platform of the USA. I really think it is inappropriate."
We're not pissed, we don't care. We are getting bored of it. Football is such a fascinating sports, and it's a shame to mix sports and politics / history. But actually your country and internet-forum – your rules.
We just want to let you know that the war-thing ist absolutely one-sided.
This article is strongly biased. A shame that CNN publishes such bad work.
By the way, it's 2010!
In a war everyone loses, no matter what party wins. In the end only death and sorrow remain. The Englisch press and their followers should be ashamed of themselves for lightly making fun of war and using the topic of WWII for the purpose of selling their papers. It is shameful and inappropriate.
Not only the Germany of today is slapped in the face but every victim who suffered during the war.
Hate, arrogance and hybris have always been the downfall of societies. This, Germany had to learn the hard way. And for this lesson we are grateful, for we won´t repeat our mistakes in the future. Can you say the same? Have you people learned from the mistakes your glorious Empire (or Germany or other countries) made in the past centuries? Are you able to bury the hate? With all my heart I hope so.
I´m proud of my country and our football team. The latter shows the new Germany, a Germany which is not afraid of other cultures, other religions, the colour of the skin or people who are different. It is a Germany the last genereations worked on to become a better place, a place of peace and acceptance. At least we tried.
Have a nice day
Andrea
FIFA, it is time for technology. Teams and fans have been robbed and devastated by these unfair and inexplicable calls and the course of the World Cup has been affected as well. There is a strong need not just for goal-line technology but for “Instant Replay”. It’s only getting worse, four years ago in Germany this issue was very bad, this time in South Africa it has been a disaster. Disgraceful calls by referees. Too late for apologies, the harm has been done!!!
Join the support group on Facebook for FIFA to take action:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136701196342639&ref=mf
Germany vs. Agentina
Argentina will lose against the german team cause thei are to aggresive
Andrea!! Words up!!
I am and many people in this world are on your side.
Good for you!!
the comments are funny.gave me good laugh for the night.looking forward to tomorrow matches.
ps...the better teams made it.so folks..lets it go.the BRITISH..quit whinnig...why brag abt one game yall won like thousands of years ago.the british team played baldy...very baldy....get younger players next time.still got a chance to win a world cup...so u can brag about it until the end of times.
netherlands hate the germans ..........becuase the germans stole the dutch bicycles and turn into guns in ww2.i figure that is why they r mad at the germans. and yall know how dutch love their bicycles so you can imagine anyone touching their bicycles...