World Cup rivals Cameron and Merkel take time out from economic negotiations for key game

Cameron, Merkel watch key World Cup match

TORONTO — British Prime Minister David Cameron and his German Chancellor Angela Merkel have far bigger concerns than the world economy at the Toronto G-20 summit of world leaders.

The pair have ducked out of formal talks to watch the second half of the World Cup knockout game between their countries on Sunday.

But the game between the longtime rivals became steeped in controversy after England’s Frank Lampard had a clear goal disallowed, leaving England trailing 2-1 at half-time. Germany took a 4-1 lead in the second half.

The winner of Sunday’s match in Bloemfontein, South Africa, advances to the quarterfinals while the loser goes home. Aides for Cameron said the leaders are glued to the screen.

There’s no word on whether Cameron will make a formal protest if England loses.