GERMANY v SWEDEN - GERMANS MAY HAVE TO WAIT
David John
Hosts Germany got the World Cup under way what seems like six months ago and they begin the second phase of games when they take on Sweden in Munich.
Maximum points in Group A, eight goals and Miroslav Klose (at the time of writing) the tournament's top marksman.
Jurgen Klinsmann's style and squad selection may not have been the most popular among his countrymen in the preliminaries but he is starting to win over the doubters.
That could obviously turn sour once again if they don't reach the last eight but the momentum they have built up to go with the colossal home support have to be big positives in their quest.
Klinsmann's emphasis on pushing foward has meant that his young side have always looked a threat in the final third.
Even the much maligned Lukas Poldoski has managed to get on the scoresheet.
Whether it can continue into the knockout stage remains to be seen.
On the minus side, they were given more than a fright or two by Costa Rica and Poland along the way.
Paulo Wanchope's two goals in the opener highlighted a lack of reaction in the German back four while Poland could count themselves unlucky to have gone down to Oliver Neuville's last-gasp winner.
A hard-working side like Sweden, who proved against England they will keep going right to the final whistle, might just fancy their chances of getting a result.
Coach Lars Lagerbeck has talked about the immense pressure the home nation are under to produce and taking advantage of any early jitters could be the key.
He will certainly be relishing any set pieces after the mesmorising effect they had on England's back four in midweek.
Punting-wise, I can certainly see the Swedes mixing it with Germany but it is ultimately tough to see beyond the latter when the chips are down.
We will swerve backing them at around the 8/11 mark and go for a Draw/Germany HT/FT result at 7/2 with
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