English Require Spark, Germans, More of Same

Here is a capsule look at the English and West German soccer teams, which will play in the second World Cup semifinal game Wednesday at Turin.

ENGLAND--A controversial top seed in Group F, the English have lived up to the FIFA’s pre-tournament ranking. The offense, led by striker Gary Lineker, John Barnes, Chris Waddle and Peter Beardsley, has been inconsistent.

However, the experience of the squad showed Sunday when, trailing lightly regarded Cameroon 2-1 with eight minutes remaining in regulation, England scored on a penalty kick by Lineker and then beat the Africans 3-2 on another penalty kick goal in overtime.

The experience comes from the several players who played in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, along with Manager Bobby Robson. The team won’t give up many goals--Terry Butcher and Des Walker are excellent defenders and 40-year-old goalkeeper Peter Shilton has played more full international games than any other player in history.

But the English need some spark from the midfield, where Neil Webb and Bryan Robson are recovering from injuries.

WEST GERMANY--Unlike the last two tournaments, when the Germans were lightly regarded and made it to the championship game, this German team came in considered a favorite and has played like one. The players have experience, skills and savvy. And an explosive offense.

West Germany also might be the deepest team in the field. It’s defense is physical, often punishing. The West German defenders are decisive with their tackles, strong in the air and quick to counterattack, and the attackers will wear down defenses.

Up front, Voeller and Juergen Klinsmann, both with three goals, lead a high-powered offense that has also seen midfielder Lothar Matthaeus score four goals. The backfield, led by sweeper Klaus Augenthaler, Juergen Kohler and Andreas Brehme, is also tough.