Such is our respect and affection for all things nostalgic surrounding the whole England v Germany affair, we thought we’d organise our own little event to see who can predict how this match will go.

Each “tipster” was given a virtual €10 to stake as they wished on any of the markets for this epic fixture, including the very creative match specials!

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Whoever earns the most profit from their bet wins. What do they win? It’s a surprise (meaning it’s not yet been decided).

The predictions are (in no particular order) -

Luke F - Germany to Qualify on Penalties - 17/2

Kris - England to Miss a Penalty in 90 Mins - 19/1

Peter - Cliche Betting - “1966″ - 11/1

James - €5 Germany to come from behind and win - 14/1
€5 Ozil score first and Germany win 1-0 - 60/1

Philip - Match & Total Goals Doubles
Germany to Win - 5 or more Total Goals - 19/1

Paul - €5 Half Time/Full Time - Germany/England - 33-1
€5 Half Time/Full Time - England/Germany - 35-1

Dan - Wincast - Germany to Win, Podolski Anytime Goalscorer - 11/2

Kev - Correct Score - Germany 3-2 England - 40-1

Conor - Scorecast - Rooney and England 2-1 - 33-1

Steven - Germany to Qualify on Penalties - 17-2

Best of luck to you all.

The past 24 hours were spent coming up with various puns related to the countries “checkered” past. They even came up with one or two good bets.

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Money Back Special

Germany v England - The Bore Wars
If this match finishes 0-0 after 90 mins Paddy Power will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on that match. Terms & Conditions apply.

Battle of Britain 70th Anniversary

Luftwaffe v RAF – Who will win the aerial threat and score the first header
5/6 Germany
5/6 England

9/2 Allied forces – Referee to award England a penalty
10/1 Behind enemy lines – an offside goal allowed
7/2 Parachute regiment – substitute to score the winning goal
12/1 Accidental hero – A German own goal

How will Capello celebrate England’s first goal

2/1 Fist clench
2/1 One arm punch in air
11/4 Berate/shout instructions at players
9/1 No reaction (remain on the bench)
10/1 Both arms in air
25/1 Sign of the cross
33/1 Hugging Stuart Pearce
50/1 High five with Ray Clemence
66/1 Bobby Robson jig
150/1 Knee slide

England v Germany Commentary Cliché Betting

It’s almost what Commentary Cliché betting was made for! For the first time Paddy Power’s famous betting market focuses on the biggest rivalry of all – Enlgand v Germany. The hugely popular market amongst punters looks set to be bigger than ever and should see all the old phrases reeled off quicker than a German gets his towel on a sunbed in what will be a commentator’s dream tie.

First Phrase Used By BBC Commentators
4/1 Michael Ballack
8/1 David Beckham
10/1 5-1
11/1 1966
12/1 Nervous moments
14/1 Franz Beckenbauer
16/1 Great strike
16/1 1990
18/1 An early test for the keeper
18/1 Geoff Hurst
18/1 Gazza
18/1 Chris Waddle
20/1 Bobby Moore
20/1 1996
22/1 1970
22/1 The War
22/1 Old rivals
25/1 Typical Germans
25/1 Not going to plan
25/1 What a goal!
25/1 He’s missed it!
28/1 He’s dropped it!
28/1 Making themselves heard
28/1 Golden generation
28/1 Dream start
33/1 England wearing their lucky red
33/1 German efficiency
33/1 He’ll be disappointed with that
33/1 At the end of the day
33/1 WAGS
40/1 He’s gone down a little easily
40/1 The noise of the Vuvuzelas
40/1 The much criticised Jabulani
40/1 England are in trouble
50/1 Fabio will have something to say
66/1 The Great Escape
66/1 Russian Linesman
80/1 The dreaded penalties
80/1 Bulldog Spirit
80/1 Natural born leader
100/1 They think its all over, it is now
100/1 The Kaiser
100/1 Stuart Pearce knows only too well
150/1 Why is it always the Germans
150/1 Never was so much owed by so many to so few
150/1 We’ll fight them in midfield, we’ll fight them in defence
200/1 Vorsprung durch Technik
200/1 Some very sauerkrauts
250/1 70 years since the Battle of Britain
250/1 Kick and rush
250/1 Sunbeds
250/1 Pig climber
250/1 Kuntz
250/1 Matching cardigans

England v Germany Betting
England V Germany Specials

There aren’t many rivalries in world football as big as Germany v England. There is no love lost between the two nations and if you think both sides respect one another, then think again! Both sides love nothing more than seeing the other inflicted with pain and misery.

The rivalry dates back to 1930 at a time when England were dominant over Germany (then West Germany). Tempers flared though in 1938 when England suffered the dishonour of having to perform a Nazi salute during the pre-match national anthems (picture Wayne Rooney in that positon). The English back then didn’t despair though, urged on by legends like Sir Stanley Matthews and Arsenal’s goal-scoring sensation Cliff Bastin, England thumped West Germany 6-3.

Leading up the 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley, England had won all four matches against Germany since 1950 and were expected to easily account for their German rivals. Germany dug through the trenches though and forced the match into extra-time. What happened next is one of the most iconic moments in World Cup history as Geoff Hurst’s strike gave England their first World Cup trophy. That moment is now the benchmark for every England team as they look to replicate the side of ‘66.

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The bitterness between the two nations grew stronger in the 1990 World Cup as West Germany elimintated England at the semi-final stage following a penalty shoot-out. England gained sweet revenge though in 2001 in a World Cup qualifier as they trounced Germany 5-1 in their own backyard, courtesy of a hat-trick from Michael Owen.

The most recent fixture between the two rivalries was in 2008, which seen England beat Germany 2-1 in Berlin and the two goalscorers on that occasion were both Matthew Upson and John Terry. Strangely enough both players will be at the heart of England’s defence as both sides do battle once again at 3pm on Sunday in the last sixteen of the 2010 World Cup.

Let’s be honest; we all know it’s going to happen. The England / Germany rivalry has to be settled with penalties. It’s not a major tournament until England get knocked out in the cruellest manner.

The English (and Dutch) are known for their many losses on penalty shootouts. Between 1992 and 2000, the Dutch were eliminated from four major tournaments by losing a shootout (three European Championships in a row and the World Cup in 1998). In the semi-final of Euro 2000, they missed five out of six penalties (two in the match, four in the shootout).

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However, the crown for the poorest record in a shootout must go to England! Engerland lost to West Germany in the semi final of the Italia 1990, Germany in the semi final of Euro 96, Argentina in the 1998 World Cup and Portugal in Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup. England have only won one shootout in major competitions, against Spain in Euro 96.

Penalty Betting Odds

The following prices are subject to change.

Will there be a Penalty Shootout?

9/2 - England v Germany to go to a penalty shootout

To Qualify in a Penalty Shootout

17/2 - Germany
17/2 - England

Who’ll take England’s first penalty in a shootout

11/10 - Lampard
5/2 - Rooney
13/2 - Gerrard
11/1 - Barry
18/1 - J Cole
14/1 - Milner
40/1 - Crouch
100/1 - G Johnson

If England go out on penalties, which player will be the LAST to miss for them in the shoot-out.

9/1 - Defoe
10/1 - Lampard
10/1 - Gerrard
10/1 - Milner
11/1 - J Cole
12/1 - Carrick
14/1 - Terry
14/1 - Lennon
14/1 - Heskey
14/1 - Rooney
16/1 - Crouch
16/1 - G Johnson
16/1 - A Cole
20/1 - Carragher
20/1 - King
80/1 - James

England v Germany Betting Odds

There are longer-term issues to be addressed within the England camp, none more so than manager Fabio Capello, whose discipline regime seems to have a divide between player and coach. However, the current state of Wayne Rooney is a huge concern for England as they face their biggest test yet in this year’s World Cup - a must-win encounter against their biggest rivals Germany.

Against weak opposition, the strikers impact has been restricted thus far in the competition. Rooney’s fustration was dragged out to a world-wide audience as he stupidly directed abuse at a television camera following England’s dire performance against Algeria. The Manchester United-striker didn’t sound very convincing in his public apology and it’s debatable whether or not Rooney really wants to play in the three-lions shirt.

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Having misfired yet again against Slovenia, Rooney became fustrated by being substituted but, supposedly, the unsettled striker picked up a knock at the start of the second-half. At the end of 90 minutes, scenes of England players in a joyous state would seeemingly suggest that they had won the 2010 World Cup but they haven’t won anything yet. England can remain optimistic but if they are to have a realistic chance of winning the World Cup, Wayne Rooney needs to concentrate on the opposition’s penalty area.

In the 07/08 Premier League season, Rooney had 10 assists and scored just 12 goals. In the 08/09 campaign he again scored 12 goals with 7 assists. In last year’s Premiership, Wayne Rooney had 3 assists and notched an impressive 26 goals. The Manchester United-striker simply outclassed the opposition’s penalty-box and Fabio Capello should take a hard look at himself when he considers his next team-sheet.

If Capello wakes up and Rooney keeps believing, the famed predator will come good sooner rather than later.

If I were an England fan, I’d be pretty grateful that Paddy Power has made their make-or-break final group game against Slovenia one of his Bore War! Money-Back Specials.

Having the reassurance of having all pre-kickoff losing First/Last Goalscorer, Correct Score and Scorecast singles refunded if the match ends 0-0 would be some compensation if you decided to give Fabio Capello’s motley crew one final chance and they didn’t deliver. The question is, where do England go from here? They find themselves in the, frankly embarrassing, situation of getting an early flight home if they fail to beat the Slovenians, who top their group and need only a draw to ensure progress. Yet it’s difficult to see from where they are going to find the inspiration to raise their game above the mediocre.

Certainly the bitter, burnt-out shell that is Wayne Rooney looks ill-equipped for the job. Captain Steven Gerrard doesn’t seem to know where he’s supposed to be playing while Frank Lampard seems to have forgotten how to pass to someone in the same colour shirt. The one saving grace for England fans is that they nearly always perform better when their backs are against the wall, but I would plead for Capello to give Joe Cole a start against Slovenia who will almost certainly shut up shop, as they did against Algeria in their first game, and hope to catch England on the break.

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A player capable of the unexpected, like Cole, would give England another dimension, though I’m still not sure that the Slovenians would be capable of holding out for 90 minutes should the real England turn up. Against the USA, Matjaz Kek’s side were all over the place defensively once the Americans started flinging high balls into their box and someone like Peter Crouch could cause mayhem if given more than his customary 10 minutes as Emile Heskey’s replacement. England, and probably Gareth Barry in particular, will have to close down Slovenia’s key man Valter Birsa and whoever is drafted in to replace the suspended Jamie Carragher will have to get up to speed pretty quickly.

But I fancy England will just show enough to sneak a narrow win so the 11/5 for the draw with Slovenia receiving a goal start is the bet.

* Handicap Draw (England -1.0) – 11/5

England Betting Previews

Following a disappointing display against the USA, England seek to get their World Cup campaign back on track against an Algerian side who put up a creditable performance in their opening match of the 2010 World Cup.

Fabio Capello’s team selection has been the subject of much discussion leading up the tournament and is so again. Capello foolishly selected Rob Green ahead of one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, Joe Hart. Why? Well your guess is as good as mine and the selection back-fired on Capello as Green made a howler which cost England all three points and a secure passage to the next stage of the competition. For some reason Hart won’t get the call for the match against Algeria, most likely David James, who is over a niggling injury, will get the nod.

With Gareth Barry due to return to the side, England will look and play a lot more organised. Although Emile Heskey played very well in the opening match, Capello will likely give Peter Crouch a starting spot against Algeria.

Algeria lost the midfield battle in their opening match against Slovakia and can consider themselves unfortunate not to come away with at least a point. The disorganised Slovakian defence gifted Algeria several opportunities in the second period of the match when they were down to ten men but they failed to capitalise on their opponents mistakes.

Interesting bets:

Half-time/Full-time: Draw/England (11/4)

This is a vital match for England. With Barry holding the midfield together, Capello’s mindset will be to remain stable and focused in the opening period of the match and not leave too many gaps between defence and midfield and then take control as the second period progresses. Apart from the USA match, England have been sluggish in the opening periods of recent international fixtures and in this must-win encounter expect similar circumstances here.

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First Goalscorer: Frank Lampard (England) (6/1)

22 goals in 32 appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League last year. This match will remain a tight affair until midway through the second-half and with Lampard having the freedom to make darting runs from midfield combined with his fearsome shots and free-kicks, it could be his magic that unlocks the tight Algerian defence.

Don’t forget our “Bore War” Money Back Special on this match - if it ends 0-0, we’ll refund all pre-match singles in the Correct Score, First/Last Goalscorer and Scorecast markets.

England World Cup Betting Previews

With the first round of group fixtures almost completed, i’ll take a look at some decent value world cup accumulators, taking into consideration the upcoming days fixtures.

Starting with Thursday’s games, I fully expect Argentina to justify their 2/5 odds. Despite a work-like performance from South Korea in their opening game against Greece, this is a different task altogether, and Maradona’s men are unlikely to slip up here. In fact, history has shown that teams successful at the finals take a little time to get going in the tournament, and seek to build momentum in order to peak for the latter stages. Argentina will do just this, but the Koreans work rate and counter attacking style means there’ll be no cricket score by any means.

Argentina (v S Korea) 2/5

Nigeria showed glimpses of form against a below par Argentina in the opening game, but will hardly set the tournament alight. Regardless, Greece were so toothless when beaten by South Korea that a price of 19/20 for a Nigeria win has to be taken.

Nigeria (v Greece) 19/20

Tomorrow’s evening game features a France team desperate for a victory face a Mexico side who’ll be hugely disappointed with their draw against the hosts first time out. As with Argentina, title contenders rarely hit the ground running. This will be France’s excuse for a stale 0-0 draw with Uruguay, but I don’t think it applies. France are an ageing, out of form side, who’s in house bickering seems to be affecting their performance. Mexico were many people’s dark horses for the World Cup this year, but they’ve also failed to impress thus far. For these reasons, I’ll be backing Mexico +1 in this game. A draw is my hunch, but Mexico’s attacking flair and speed could cause France’s centrebacks some problems, so i wouldn’t want to rule out a 1-0 victory for the Mexicans. 4/7 is not a bad price based on that.

Mexico +1 (v France) 4/7

On to Friday, we begin with Germany v Serbia.

Many would be tempted to take the Germany -1 @ 7/4, but i think it’s a little early to write off a talented Serbia side. Germany should win the game, however, so 8/13 for a German win is a fair price. I have a feeling Serbia will sneak a goal, but the overall power and pace of the Germans should see them victorious by the odd goal in three.

Germany (v Serbia) 8/13

The USA were impressive against England, and were unlucky not to claim a famous victory. In contrast, Slovenia lacked cutting edge against Algeria in their opening game, and only gained the win as a result of (yet another!) goalkeeping error. Currently evens for a win, I’ll take the USA every day.

USA (v Slovenia) Evens

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The final match of the day is a do or die affair for Capello’s men. The disappointment felt after the draw with the USA will certainly have a rallying effect, and I’d be fully confident that England will win this game comfortably. As entertaining as it may be to see another World Cup campaign end early, Algeria are simply out of their depth at this level, and a hungry England side, badly in need of a confidence boost, should stroll through. A Win price of 1/4 is hardly appealing, so the -1 Handicap is what I’ll be backing. Expect England to increase their goals tally.

England -1 (v Algeria) 8/11

This accumulator works out with odds of approximately 23/1.

World Cup Match Previews

World Cup Odds Match Coupon

Imagine if you would, England’s cricket selectors announce the inclusion of a wheelie bin in their batting line-up for the upcoming Ashes series. While acknowledging that it won’t score any runs, the theory is that the Aussies will struggle to dislodge it and it does seem to bring out the best in Kevin Pietersen.

Ridiculous, isn’t it?

So why did Fabio Capello select Emile Heskey against the USA? Now maybe that analogy is a tad unfair on Heskey, who arguably had one of his better games for England the other night, and I understand why the Italian thought a battering ram would be more effective against the well-drilled Americans than a scalpel. The problem is, the tactic had a knock-on effect. Firstly Wayne Rooney, rightly acknowledged as England’s main hope of getting anything tangible from the World Cup, is denied the opportunity to play in the role at which he has excelled for his club over the past season. Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are forced to play deeper roles than they are accustomed to, negating their impact in and around the oppositions’ penalty area, and England ended up looking as balanced as an Essex girl on six-inch stilettos after her 14th pina colada.

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Thank goodness, therefore, that Gareth Barry looks like being fit for the make-or-break game against Algeria. Hopefully, the classy Manchester City midfielder will offer some cover for an increasingly fragile-looking centre of the England defence. There’s also surely a case for including Joe Cole, who offers something different to the rest of the squad, but Capello’s biggest decisions have to be made at the back. One mistake doesn’t make Rob Green a bad goalkeeper and he should keep his place, but I’d have real reservations about playing Jamie Carragher, who’d be described as very one-paced if he was racehorse, alongside John Terry and it might be worth giving Michael Dawson, who is quicker, better in the air and has just enjoyed a terrific season for Spurs, the chance to prove he’s up to international standard against an Algeria side who look as disorganised as any seen in the tournament so far.

Against Slovenia, the North Africans showed little inclination to battle once falling behind and virtually their only outlet was the marauding runs of Portsmouth full-back Nadir Belhadj. England surely have enough pace down their right to ensure he spends most of his time defending and, unless Capello’s men implode in spectacular fashion, Algeria have very little chance of becoming the first African team to defeat them in a tournament which is reflected in the betting.

England v Algeria Match Betting Odds

Paddy Power’s Bore War! Money-Back Special applies to this game but, having seen Algeria taken apart by the Republic of Ireland a couple of weeks ago, I expect to England win a shade cosily and overcome the minus two handicap at 21/10.

England World Cup Betting Previews

England v USA (Saturday 12th June, 7:30pm)

England have an excellent record against the USA on the international stage. In ten meetings between the two sides, England have won eight times and lost just twice, but Bob Bradleys side are now a different and more complete oufit, as they showed when narrowly missing out on last years Confederations Cup. The USA overcame the European champions, Spain, in the semi-final and led 2-0 at half-time in the final only to succumb to a tremendous second half performance from the five-time World Cup champions Brazil.

Along with Barcelona, English club football has dominated the world stage in recent years and England fans, players and management will be hopeful that 2010 is the year that they finally repeat the glory of ‘66.

Correct Score: England 1 USA 2 (19/1) 0.5pt win

90 Mins Only: USA (11/2) 1pt win

Half Time Result: USA (11/2) 1pt win

Much depends on the selections of the England manager, Fabio Capello. If he decides to play both Lampard and Gerrard without a holding midfielder then England will struggle and I could actually see an upset on the cards. It’s very difficult to judge exactly how he will approach the match and given that Joe Cole played 90 mins in their last warm-up match, I suspect the midfield will be Lennon, Cole, Gerrard & Lampard. If so, the USA will be licking their lips. Up front, Emile Heskey will most likely partner Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. In defence a replacement for Rio Ferdinand will give another selection headache for Capello.

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A crocked Ledley King will likely partner John Terry in the heart of the defence, with both Ashely Cole and Glen Johnson on either side. Both full-backs, especially Glen Johnson, are a liabilty in a team without a holding midfielder and if Capello fails to slot Michael Carrick into midfield from the start of the match then England will struggle.

In their training match a few days ago England really struggled with the change in altitude. Each player was gasping for breathe at the final whistle and although they should have now acclimatized, I think the USA will pile on the pressure early and England could find themselves with plenty to do come half-time.

First Goalscorer: Clint Dempsey (10/1) 0.5pt win

The Fulham winger has scored 18 goals in 62 appearances for his national side and opened the scoring in last years Confederation Cup Final against Brazil. He also netted the winner in the semi-final against Spain. With both of England’s full-backs playing in a more wing-back role, Dempsey should find himself in acres of space on more than one occasion.

Sneaky Bet: USA half-time lead & fail to win (10/1) 0.5pt win

With Capello likely to make the wrong selections and the fact that each player was gulping for breathe after their training match a few days ago, the USA could find themselves in front at the interval, as they did against Brazil last year. They slipped up on that occasion and with the strength-in-depth on England’s bench, the USA could be pegged back in the second period with the right substitutions from Capello.

Don’t forget our very generous “Roo Beauty” Money Back Special for this one - if Wayne Rooney scores at any time, we will refund all pre-match first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast singles on the match!

Don’t forget that you can bet live in-running on every World Cup match.

World Cup Previews - England Betting

World Cup Betting Odds - England v USA