England, Germany Renew Rivalry

Few teams hate each other quite as much as the English and German national sides. Then again, few teams have two world wars to bring up every time they meet. For the past several days, ever since the pair realized they were going to play each other in the second round of the World Cup, the countries’ respective tabloids have taken shots across the North Sea, bringing up everything from previous meetings to the outcome of World War II—always with a wry sense of humor. While the Germans often chant about the “Three World Cups!” they hold over England’s lone title, English fans retort with “Two World Wars!” But the most famous bit of ribbing may have come in 1996 when the British Mirror newspaper printed the headline “Achtung! Surrender” ahead of an England match with Germany. They will renew hostilities today at 10 a.m.