England vs Germany, the long-awaited battle

By Vic Mills

LONDON (JP): After a frenetic weekend containing everything that modern soccer has to offer -- from penalty shoot-outs to a kaleidoscope of red and yellow cards, and from rugged physical challenges to sublime moments of skill, just four sides remain in Euro 96.

The script for the championship was always likely to feature a meeting between England and Germany. The fans now have the rematch of Italia 90, a game of great drama and passion which Germany won on penalties.

However neither side progressed to the semifinals in quite the manner anticipated. Indeed, England was forced into extra time and penalties against Spain and another 30 minutes on the strength-sapping Wembley turf.

In a game that was the least physical of the quarterfinals, England suffered niggling injuries to Paul Gascoigne, Teddy Sheringham and Tony Adams. Young full-back Garry Neville also collected his second booking of the tournament and will miss the match (that starts at 1.30 am tomorrow morning western Indonesian time).

The full-back problem is eased somewhat by the German system of playing just two strikers. In light of this, England manager Terry Venables is likely to opt for the continental formation of three center-backs -- Stuart Pearce, Tony Adams and Gareth Southgate. Paul Ince, back after a one match suspension, will fill the space in front, slotting into a more defensive role to play Venables' plans.

David Platt is set to retain his place alongside Gascoigne, Steve McManaman and Darren Anderton. The only other player to enter the midfield equation is Jamie Redknapp. Injured in the game against Scotland, he nevertheless did enough to suggest he still has a role in Venables' side.

The other key element in the England success story is the inspired form of goalkeeper David Seaman. With crucial saves in the Scotland game, Seaman was again at his best against Spain, saving from Miguel Anghel Nadal in the penalty shoot-out to put England on a collision course with Germany.

Obstacle

Totally different from Peter (the argument waiting to happen) Schmeichel, Seaman is an undemonstrative fellow, ever ready to see the funny side of football even in the heat of battle. At 6ft 4ins, he also makes for a sizable obstacle for any would-be scorer.

A scorer, would-be or otherwise, is Germany's current major problem. For in an ill-tempered affair against Croatia at Old Trafford, Germany lost both their first choice strikers: Juergen Klinsmann with a torn calf muscle and Fredi Bobic with a dislocated shoulder.

In a game littered with skirmishes and personal vendettas -- as much the fault of the referee as the players -- Germany won in a searching examination of its composure and organization.

With Klinsmann and Bobic missing, the 1980 champion will rely even more heavily on the forward runs of sweeper Mathias Sammer at Wembley. His two telling breaks against Croatia both led to goals.

In between, there were some very un-German performances; Christian Ziege and Andreas Moller were surprisingly subdued and Thomas Helmer uncertain. Only Dieter Eilts and the classy Sammer played anywhere near their full potential.

To this end, the games against Italy and Croatia have acted only to dilute the German aura of invincibility. England, in comparison, is growing in strength and self-confidence with each passing game.

The second semifinal at Old Trafford pits 1984 winner France against the tournament's surprise package, the Czech Republic.

France duly consigned the despondent Dutch to an early departure, but not before another dramatic penalty shoot-out. In a game where both teams all but canceled each other out, Aime Jacquet's side always had the edge.

Yet at what cost? Center forward Christophe Duggary will take no further part in the tournament with cruciate ligament damage. While the charismatic Christian Karambeu will miss the semifinal through suspension.

This, however, is nothing compared to the plight of the poor Czechs. In a competitive game against Portugal, it lost four players: Radoslav Latal, Jan Suchoparek, Pavel Kuka and Radek Bejbl, amid a flurry of red and yellow cards.

Rough justice for a side that is having the time of its life. Drawn initially in the Group of Death, the Czechs progressed through a series of adventures; not least being the 89th minute equalizer against Russia that gave it a quarterfinal place.

The underdog of Euro 96, its commitment and courage against Portugal had won over the neutrals in the crowd long before half- time.

In common with Portugal, France will a play slick passing game. With Dugarry and Karambeu out, greater responsibility will be placed on the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Vincent Guerin and Didier Deschamps in midfield. Patrice Loko will start up front, but once again France will rely on the massive presence of Marcel Desailly and Laurent Blanc at the back to close down the spirited Czech attacks.