[WC] Group A discussion -> 1/Germany 2/Ecuador

09/06
Germany 4-2 Costa Rica (6 PM)
Poland 0-2 Ecuador (9 PM)

14/06
Germany 1-0 Poland (9 PM)

15/06
Ecuador 3-0 Costa Rica (3 PM)

20/06
Germany 3-0 Ecuador (4 PM)
Poland 2-1 Costa Rica (4 PM)

Rankings :
1- Germany 9 pts +5
2- Ecuador 6 pts +2
3- Poland 3 pts -2
4- Costa Rica 0 pt -6
Blue : qualified for next round
Red : eliminated

I actually don't really have anything to discuss in this group :D

Will Podolski start for GER?

POLSKA :yo:

Will Podolski start for GER?
He will start, and he will score. Darkhorse WC top scorer for me.

glad i picked him in my pool :D

Ballack's status remains uncertain. He suffered a calf strain in the last match vs. Columbia.

Football Germany is biting it's collective fingernails. ;)

He will start, and he will score. Darkhorse WC top scorer for me.

Do you think that Germany will make it far enough for him to be in competition for top scorer. With Ballack's fitness up in the air and with a shaky central defense IMO, I'd be surprised to see them make it past the quarters.

I still think the home-crowd advantage pushes Germany to the top of Group A regardless of injuries. Poland, please come in second so I get SOME of my predictions I made to PK right.

Germany 2 Costa Rica 0

Poland 1 Ecuador 1

My early predictions......

Hey, what's the story with Ballack ? Do he will be fit for Friday ?

Hey, what's the story with Ballack ? Do he will be fit for Friday ?
Who knows, perhaps a 50/50 bet. From the sounds of it, the injury itself doesn't sound severe (sounds like a day to day thing). But the fact that it has held him out of training for a couple days could be worrysome. I've seen other day to day injuries turn into real worries (Saku Koivu, Lionel Messi come to mind).

I bet he makes it.

POLSKA :yo: :yo:
:yo:

Germany without Balläck, that's like macaroni and cheese without the macaroni.

Germany without Balläck, that's like macaroni and cheese without the macaroni.

Ageed 100%

What's the starting lineup without him? Would I be wrong in guessing that Borowski would replace Ballack?

Pretty much! Borowski has been called mini-Ballack (mini not in terms of size.) I'd bet than Michael is ready for Friday.

Pretty much! Borowski has been called mini-Ballack (mini not in terms of size.) I'd bet than Michael is ready for Friday.

Oh he better be ready, I have him in my pool :)

I don't see how Germany and Poland can fail to advance from this group. I've seen Costa Rica a week ago in a friendly against Ukraine, and they were horrible. I know it's only one meaningless game, but they looked like an amateur team out there, probably the weakest Ukraine opponent since we played Andorra like 6 years ago. I just can't see them putting up much of a fight at the WC. Ecuador is a darkhorse to me, but any South American team not named Brazil or Argentina is slightly above average at best. My prediction- Poland wins the group, Germany a close second (maybe on goal differential, or whatever the tiebreakers are), both advancing very comfortably.

Oh he better be ready, I have him in my pool :)

I don't see how Germany and Poland can fail to advance from this group. I've seen Costa Rica a week ago in a friendly against Ukraine, and they were horrible. I know it's only one meaningless game, but they looked like an amateur team out there, probably the weakest Ukraine opponent since we played Andorra like 6 years ago. I just can't see them putting up much of a fight at the WC. Ecuador is a darkhorse to me, but any South American team not named Brazil or Argentina is slightly above average at best. My prediction- Poland wins the group, Germany a close second (maybe on goal differential, or whatever the tiebreakers are), both advancing very comfortably.

Polands shaky goalies vs. Germanys shaky defence. You make the call, which is worse. Germany will heavily rely on it's offence to outgun their opponents.

Its been confirmed Kahn is the backup right?

Why is this stickied and the other ones locked?

Why is this stickied and the other ones locked?
Because we have games scheduled for this one.
The other will be openned and stickied when their time is coming.

I dont really understand why the others are locked either. Games are scheduled for all of them and their time is coming too :)

Are we going to lock this when it's Group B's turn and only comment on Group B that single day? Isnt it better to have them all open and just sticky the groups with the current day's fixtures?

I believe if we were to do that the front page would make this look like the 'soccer' board, which we do not want.

Yes the fear is that the Other Sports forum looks like the WC forum.
Keep in mind I have 4 other threads to create.
8 group threads + 1 WC thread + 1 fantasy thread + 1 predictions thread, etc... = too many threads.

Well, since we'll open every thread when it starts anyway, I openned every thread.
I'm in the process of creating the last 4 too.

Can't we approach the HF "gods" to open the closed board (non-hockey) & make it the WC board?

The Other Sports forum will be overloaded for about a month.

the hosts will get through along with poland.

i agree with Kärppä32 on the WC board.

Can't we approach the HF "gods" to open the closed board (non-hockey) & make it the WC board?

The Other Sports forum will be overloaded for about a month.

I second that motion.
After the world cup is done, it can be removed

Can't we approach the HF "gods" to open the closed board (non-hockey) & make it the WC board?

The Other Sports forum will be overloaded for about a month.

Yes, please. Those of you that have access to the "HF Gods" should try to make this happen. It'll only be for about a month or so, then they can have it back to being an empty space again ;)

Apparently, Ballack is out for the first game.

Its been confirmed Kahn is the backup right?

Looks like it

The Arsenal star (Jens Lehmann) - now first choice for Germany ahead of Oliver Kahn - was speaking at a media conference on Wednesday.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5007870.stm

Ballack and the second back-up keeper, Timo Hildebrand, are injured and won't play on Friday.

Plan (without) B(allack):
Tim Borowski and Sebastian Kehl are the names mentioned for now vacant midfield position. My bet is that the former will play, because Klinsmann loves to play offensive. In addition to that Germany will have to made the play.

I guess that Schneider will lead the Germans on the pitch. :dunno:

So what will the lineup be for both teams?
Poldi and Klose up front for Germany?

So what will the lineup be for both teams?
Poldi and Klose up front for Germany?
Germany:

------------ Podolski--- Klose------------

Schweinsteiger-- Borowski-- Schneider----

------------------ Frings------------------

Lahm---- Metzelder-- Mertesacker-- Friedrich-

---------------- Lehmann-----------------

Costa Rica :dunno:

OK, thanks!
I can't choose between Poldi and Klose for my fantasy team. Right now I've got Klose though as he has a better record on the international stage.

OK, thanks!
I can't choose between Poldi and Klose for my fantasy team. Right now I've got Klose though as he has a better record on the international stage.

Klose is set.

Costa Rica :dunno:
Kicker thinks something like this:

Porras - Umana, Sequeira, Marin - Martinez, Fonseca, Solis, L. Gonzalez - Centeno, Gomez - Wanchope

Its been confirmed Kahn is the backup right?
no way kahn is a back up

no way kahn is a back up
He is. Lehmann is the starter.

no way kahn is a back up
He is.

does germany have a chance with a world cup rookie goalie and no ballack?

does germany have a chance with a world cup rookie goalie and no ballack?

Lehmann led Arsenal to the Champions League final and no team in the CL has giving up fewer goals than the Londeners. I'm fully confident in Lehmann as he was the better goalie this season. Kahn isn't even a TOP 5 in the Bundesliga anymore.

I hope that Ballack's injury isn't too bad. Theoretically Germany should be able to advance, even without it's captain.

Not to mention that Kahn was a World Cup rookie in 2002 ;)

Kahn hasn't looked good fo Germany in quite a time. It looks like he doesn't really fit to the defense. Kahn is great on the line, but that's not Germany's problem. The defense has so many holes that the goalie needs to play aggressively and Kahn is pretty bad when he has to come out of his goal.

does germany have a chance with a world cup rookie goalie and no ballack?
Wow, a rookie goalie? Lehmann is an old man, with loads of experience. He may not have started at the World Cup, but its not like he's a fresh face by any means.

does anyone know if they are going to show the games in the US or is there anyway I can watch it on the internet thanks

Can't we approach the HF "gods" to open the closed board (non-hockey) & make it the WC board?

The Other Sports forum will be overloaded for about a month.
the hosts will get through along with poland.

i agree with Kärppä32 on the WC board.
I second that motion.
After the world cup is done, it can be removed
Yes, please. Those of you that have access to the "HF Gods" should try to make this happen. It'll only be for about a month or so, then they can have it back to being an empty space again ;)
The HF gods are reluctant (and that is fully understandable) to give more attention to one sport rather than another in the "Other Sports" forum.
HF is exploring about new possibilities (please don't ask, I won't tell), but we'll have to do with this forum for the current being.

does anyone know if they are going to show the games in the US or is there anyway I can watch it on the internet thanks

It's definately on TV in the US, not sure if it's ESPN or some other channel though.

The HF gods are reluctant (and that is fully understandable) to give more attention to one sport rather than another in the "Other Sports" forum.
HF is exploring about new possibilities (please don't ask, I won't tell), but we'll have to do with this forum for the current being.

That's understandable
Thanks for letting us know

It's definately on TV in the US, not sure if it's ESPN or some other channel though.

My Guess is EPSN.
They show the UEFA cup matches ther.

does anyone know if they are going to show the games in the US or is there anyway I can watch it on the internet thanks
Every game will be shown live on either ABC/ESPN/ESPN2. However, I've read some sources say that some games may be preempted (if they aren't important for the American public), depending on where you live. Here is the television schedule for American viewers:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/worldcup/fixtures?&lpos=wcnav&lid=gn_sn_WC+fixtures&cc=5901

even wihout ballack Germany will get the 1st spot and poland will be 2nd

The HF gods are reluctant (and that is fully understandable) to give more attention to one sport rather than another in the "Other Sports" forum.
HF is exploring about new possibilities (please don't ask, I won't tell), but we'll have to do with this forum for the current being.

I hope that these new possibilities will be postive for us soccer addicts. :dunno:

even wihout ballack Germany will get the 1st spot and poland will be 2nd :eek:
So you are alive!!?

:eek:
So you are alive!!?
Here I am. I've been only reading hfb. But now it's the World Cup and I want to share some of my opnions. Are you ready for Brazil x Italia?

Here I am. I've been only reading hfb. But now it's the World Cup and I want to share some of my opnions. Are you ready for Brazil x Italia?No, i'm hoping Italy will be crushed by Ghana and Czech Republic already. :)
(unlikely considering their defense though)

According to the German tabloid "Bild" Michael Ballack has declared that he's fit and that he will play vs. Costa Rica.

Well it's the Bild.:rolleyes: But hey you never know.

According to the German tabloid "Bild" Michael Ballack has declared that he's fit and that he will play vs. Costa Rica.

Well it's the Bild.:rolleyes: But hey you never know.
Well they had a big press conference today saying the exact opposite, so I'd say it's pretty unlikely.

Well they had a big press conference today saying the exact opposite, so I'd say it's pretty unlikely.

Guess what the :rolleyes: in my post mean.

;)

The opener is always full of tension and not always quality football. Costa Rica are a nice team to have in an opener though as they have no real pressure on them. Should be an ok game. I am not super excited by Poland and Ecuador but both teams are looking to make up for less than stellar efforts last time. The two European teams look like going through.

Germany and Poland will advance quite easily. I am looking forward to the Poland/Germany match. I think Poland is really looking to make some noise and they are going to be hungry.

Oh, I'm ready. Sucks that Ballack isn't in today though ..

Is Ballack out for just today or the first round? That'd be a huge loss but they are still a good enough team to advance

Ballack said he was fit but i guess they just want to make sure. He will be back for the 2nd game.

Nice shot by Lahm.

1-1

2-1 Germany

2-1 Germany...the way this game is going its gonna be 11-10

2-1 Germany...the way this game is going its gonna be 11-10

Not really...Costa Rica has barely had any poesession. They will be lucky to score again.

Not really...Costa Rica has barely had any poesession. They will be lucky to score again.


Lucky first goal? I cant watch it because I'm at work, just getting the updated score. :(

Lucky first goal? I cant watch it because I'm at work, just getting the updated score. :(

Not lucky, great passing which broke past the defense line for a one on one shot on goal.

Lucky first goal? I cant watch it because I'm at work, just getting the updated score. :(

No, it was a fine goal but that's been Costa Rica's only try at the net and Germany is controlling the game at will. 4-1 for Germany sounds like the final score line to me.

Costa Rica is lucky to only be down 2-1. Germans look good so far

German look awul on D. They will get scored on plenty of time in this WC if they don't fix this.

Great game so far and perfect officiating. This ref sure isnt whistle happy.

Agreed, the defense has looked very shakey. I would guess though it's just a bit of nerves playing in front of a huge home crowd. We'll see how they do 2nd half.



It's not just the defense, they have no pressure on the ball, and like you rightfuly pointed out with a static defense that's deadly.

You can play with pylons at the back (see: Liverpool) but then you need constant pressure on the ball. Germany's not doing that and is too passive of the ball. One of the disadvantages of the system they play is that there's only one DM, and Frings is not capable of providing pressure on the ball by himself.

any 1 no where i can watch the game online?

It's not just the defense, they have no pressure on the ball, and like you rightfuly pointed out with a static defense that's deadly.

You can play with pylons at the back (see: Liverpool) but then you need constant pressure on the ball. Germany's not doing that and is too passive of the ball. One of the disadvantages of the system they play is that there's only one DM, and Frings is not capable of providing pressure on the ball by himself.

Agreed, lot of times to me at least so far they are just watching the ball a bit too much when Costa Rica counters.

From watching the half time recap of the game, you can see how bad the German defense is. They will really be ripped apart by a decent team.
Costa Rica will score more in this game. I remember Costa Rica Vs Brazil in 2002, amazing game. Costa Rica had as many chances as Brazil, could have been 10 all.

Nice attack and 3-1 Germany on a rebound.

More poor defending, and more nice goals.

I think it's fair to say this was an enjoyable start to the World Cup, hopefully the Cup keeps it up.


The next match is going to be important in this group, both Ecuador and Poland should be considered well stronger then Costa Rica - so they have to decide amongst themselves who will be in pole position for the second place through this group.

These guys that say football is boring and there are two scoring chance per game should get a tape... :D

Who is this Lahm guy? Anybody got a report on him? He was dangerous all game.

The next match is going to be important in this group, both Ecuador and Poland should be considered well stronger then Costa Rica - so they have to decide amongst themselves who will be in pole position for the second place through this group.
With the way Germany defends, they're hardly a lock to win the group though.
They could draw or lose to the other two outsiders.

Who is this Lahm guy? Anybody got a report on him? He was dangerous all game.
Well, he's a well known back that can play both sides and that plays for Bayern Munich.

By the way Evilo, maybe it would help if you put "GDT" in this thread title, to keep the match talk out of the other thread.


And I would still think Germany will win the group evilo, they should have taken a lot of confidence out of this, despite poor defending.

I think Poland will win this one. South American teams is always dangerous but Poland have the better defense.

I added GDT, but it's written GROUP A DISCUSSION! :D

Anyway, I was not too fond of Podolski in that game.

By the way Evilo, maybe it would help if you put "GDT" in this thread title, to keep the match talk out of the other thread.



I totally agree, i have posted in both threads during the game and wondering which one is right. GDT's for everyone.

Well, he's a well known back that can play both sides and that plays for Bayern Munich.

He was a a star in the making with great potential until those injuries hit him, knee, elbow, shoulder, you name it. Extremely versatile player, he's definetly a threat everytime he gets the ball. He's only what 24? Because of injuries, his developement is more in the 22 range. Him, Bastian and Lukas will be the difference for Germany because everyone knows what Ballack can do.

I added GDT, but it's written GROUP A DISCUSSION! :D

Anyway, I was not too fond of Podolski in that game.

He was largely invisible has good reception skills but is pretty average at turning and it hurt him when he was in the danger zone today.

Lahm is playing left defense for Bayern Munich. He stands only 5'7" tall but he's pretty fast and skilled.

The greatest problem with our defense is that it is too young and inexperienced. Friedrich just turned 27, Metzelder is 24, Lahm is 22, and Mertesacker and Huth are 21. That's why Klinsmann wants the team to play a high-pressure, attack game all the time. But that's not the traditional, passive German style so it takes some time to work.

Germany played the same at the Confederations Cup last year: great offense but a defense with lots of errors. I don't think this will change much for the rest of the World Cup, for better or worse.

I thought Poldi was lively. Didn't have any luck with his actions but at leats he's trying, if he gets his shot through he will score.

Costa Rica played very bad, but managed to score on the 2 chances they had. I was impressed that the Germans went out to win this one instead of just sitting back. Ecuador-Poland hould be a more evenly matched game.
Who does Wanchope play for BTW?

Just noticed there was a group A thread :propeller

Great goal by Frings to make it 4-2 but the German D looked awfully weak though it looked as though Wanchope was offside on the 2nd Costa Rica goal. Still the Germans are going to get eaten alive in the knockout phases if they don't fix that D. Poland would have beat them today handily

Group A Discussion? ***?

Anyway, Germany was bashed a lot by our commentators and rightfully so IMO. Klinsman wanted to play beautiful and dominating but they simply don't have the assets in order to do so. Their defense and usually sound organisation was rather putrid. They just have to consider themselves lucky they're in the Mickey Mouse pool of the WC.

Who does Wanchope play for BTW?

He now plays in Qatar, he had a decent career in England (Derby - West Ham - Man City) then went off to Spain (Malaga IIRC) but left their because of some issues (racism) and went for a nice bag of money in Qatar at Al Gharafa Sports Club

Great goal by Frings to make it 4-2 but the German D looked awfully weak though it looked as though Wanchope was offside on the 2nd Costa Rica goal. Still the Germans are going to get eaten alive in the knockout phases if they don't fix that D. Poland would have beat them today handily

I think that's a bit much.

They only really gave up two opportunities and Lehmann looked handcuffed on both.

If you're going to commit, then commit 100 %. That's something Kahn never had a problem with.

By and large, Deutschland dominated possession and play, and I'm sure they'll work on fixing their offside trap. I think Costa Rica is a little underrated according to some of the perspectives in this thread.

I haven't seen Germany play with this sort of confidence in some time. Always pressing, even with the lead.

Go Polska Go!!!!!

I think that's a bit much.

They only really gave up two opportunities and Lehmann looked handcuffed on both.

If you're going to commit, then commit 100 %. That's something Kahn never had a problem with.

By and large, Deutschland dominated possession and play, and I'm sure they'll work on fixing their offside trap. I think Costa Rica is a little underrated according to some of the perspectives in this thread.

I haven't seen Germany play with this sort of confidence in some time. Always pressing, even with the lead.

Lehmann misplayed both goals I found, didn't challenge enough to force the striker to beat him. He basically gave the whole net each time. No way the first goal should have went in if he handn't dallied on the line.

How long until the next game starts?

Just some thoughts.

I agree with everyone about the German defense. Friedrich and Lahm (MOTM IMO) were fine, but that central defense was getting ripped apart. I thought Lehmann looked nervous, I thought he should have had the first goal, but the second one was just a really nice finish.

To be honest, Podolski didn't impress me too much in this game. Didn't really create much and didn't have any good opportunities. Lahm was exceptional, scored Germany's first and set up the 3rd I believe. Schweinsteiger was also good I thought. I don't see Germany doing much in this tournament. Even with Ballack back, that defense is still going to be ripped apart. I think they'll make it to the Round of 16, but bow out there.

How long until the next game starts?

15 minutes.

I think that's a bit much.

They only really gave up two opportunities and Lehmann looked handcuffed on both.

If you're going to commit, then commit 100 %. That's something Kahn never had a problem with.

By and large, Deutschland dominated possession and play, and I'm sure they'll work on fixing their offside trap. I think Costa Rica is a little underrated according to some of the perspectives in this thread.

I haven't seen Germany play with this sort of confidence in some time. Always pressing, even with the lead.

Maybe it was a bit much but their is no doubting that the German D on a whole is the weak link on the team and against teams with better attacking skills they will be exposed. I mean having a guy like Huth on the team just points out how bad the Germans lack D. I watched alot of Chelsea games this year and the one's where I saw Huth play he was terrible and many on this board share my opinion.

Offensively the Germans did look strong especially without their best playmaker and player in my opinion in Ballack they can't rely on scoring that many goals to win games though

Great game so far and perfect officiating. This ref sure isnt whistle happy.

You're exactly right about the officiating.

I haven't seen a match this well-officiated in some time.

He was pretty much bang on, in terms of letting things go and whistling the play down.

Plus, he only gave out 1 yellow card as far as I could tell.

Good officiating.

You're exactly right about the officiating.

I haven't seen a match this well-officiated in some time.

He was pretty much bang on, in terms of letting things go and whistling the play down.

Plus, he only gave out 1 yellow card as far as I could tell.

Good officiating.

Germans should have recieved a penalty shot for that hand ball by a Costa Rica defender

Maybe it was a bit much but their is no doubting that the German D on a whole is the weak link on the team and against teams with better attacking skills they will be exposed. I mean having a guy like Huth on the team just points out how bad the Germans lack D. I watched alot of Chelsea games this year and the one's where I saw Huth play he was terrible and many on this board share my opinion.

Offensively the Germans did look strong especially without their best playmaker and player in my opinion in Ballack they can't rely on scoring that many goals to win games though

A win is a win is a win. Particularly at the group stage where even favorites like Argentina and France have been booted out in the past.

Considering how much pressure is on the home side this year, 3 points is a huge weight off their shoulders in the first game of the tournament.

With Ballack coming back, hopefully they'll settle the back down a little bit behind him.

Germans should have recieved a penalty shot for that hand ball by a Costa Rica defender

I thought that was clearly a ball-to-hand play and the ref made the right call.

The Costa Rican defender had no chance to get his arm out of the way of that kick. Right call by the ref.

The Costa Rican defender had no chance to get his arm out of the way of that kick. Right call by the ref.

I have seen lighter instances of ball to hand get called a penalty, he could have tucked in his arm

Well, since we're quick to criticize them, I thought the refs were absolutely great in that first game.

I have seen lighter instances of ball to hand get called a penalty, he could have tucked in his arm

It was pretty obvious to me.

got a feeling Poland can do really well in this tournament

Well, since we're quick to criticize them, I thought the refs were absolutely great in that first game.

I would agree the ball to hand was iffy at best could be seen either way, I was just happy there were really no big time dives like in the Champions league final

Let's go ECUADOR!!!!you can do it :yo:

I thought that was clearly a ball-to-hand play and the ref made the right call.

The Costa Rican faced the German with his back so their no way to call it intentional. Towards the end of the game, I saw another critical situation, when Schneider was pull down in the penalty area. Could have been a penalty.

For me the Top3:

1.) Lahm: solid on defense, great pinching in offensively and a superb goal early in the game
2.) Klose: two goals. Goalscorer goals
3.) Schweinsteiger: Had a few moments on D, but was mainly a force on offense.

Goal

1-0 Ecuador

Towards the end of the game, I saw another critical situation, when Schneider was pull down in the penalty area. Could have been a penalty.

I remember that play as well. He was a bit on the outside, and not in a really clear scoring position, so I wasn't surprised that there was no call there.

There were a couple of dives by Germans in the box as well, which could have been called. In general, the ref made the right call without having to give out unnecessary cards.


For me the Top3:

1.) Lahm: solid on defense, great pinching in offensively and a superb goal early in the game
2.) Klose: two goals. Goalscorer goals
3.) Schweinsteiger: Had a few moments on D, but was mainly a force on offense.

I agree. Obvious but the most fair selections. Frings of course may have scored one of the best goals of the tournament. ;)

Ecuador is in charge and rightfully deserves the go-ahead goal. Nice header btw.

Poland's D looks shaky at times.
Tight game though.

I really like Ecuador's "toque".

A friend is preparing some crow for me now. I hope he doesn't get to serve it.

:help: me Poland.

My country is playing pretty good, keep it up Ecuador!!! :handclap:

My country is playing pretty good, keep it up Ecuador!!! :handclap:


They are playing very good right now. :clap:

Poland looks sloppy. Our crosses are too far, our D is sloppy, and we are simply playing with the ball. Ecuador is walking all over us.

Probably the most important game of the group. Whoever wins this should go through.

Little question here :

What determines who's going to the 2nd round and who's not between

Team B
3pl, 1W, 1D, 1L, 2GF, 3GA -1GD, 4pts
Team C
3pl, 1W, 1D, 1L, 2GF, 3GA -1GD, 4pts

The game they played againt each other ended in a 0-0 draw.

I really expected more out of Poland. They really need a result in this game.

Poland needs a goal.

Little question here :

What determines who's going to the 2nd round and who's not between

Team B
3pl, 1W, 1D, 1L, 2GF, 3GA -1GD, 4pts
Team C
3pl, 1W, 1D, 1L, 2GF, 3GA -1GD, 4pts

The game they played againt each other ended in a 0-0 draw.
lol flip a coin? I don't know

Ecuador should try to seal the deal here. I see Poland getting a late equalizer, if they don't.

pwned :)

Ecuador should try to seal the deal here. I see Poland getting a late equalizer, if they don't.

Told ya'll! :biglaugh:

2-0 ECU

Looks like the first upset in the Cup here. BTW will the Ecuador goalie not be fined becaus he has two Ecuador flags painted on his face, I ask because I remember Ricardo who is the kepper for the Portuguese national team got a lion paw imprinted in his hair when he shaved it to show support for his club Sporting nicknamed the Lions

Awful defense by Poland all game.

It's there for Delgado :yo:

¡Ecuador!

Wow a post and a crossbar, no luck for Poland, easily 2-2 with luck

All of Poland's SOG coming after Ecuador scored two.

Well things just got real in this group an Ecuador win over Costa Rica means anything but a Poland win against Germany and they are gone :eek:, leaving the game against Costa Rica meaningless

Ralph / Eew, this tastes like grandma!

Good game Ecuador. :clap:

Go ECUADOR!!!!! our second win in a world cup, im proud of my boys!!! :clap: :clap: :handclap:

Yep, Poland found some life when 2-0 down, but their midfield was inexistant before that, and it's a well deserved win.
The Euro championships might be a better and harder competition than the WC, but you have to love to see the different styles from South American, Asia, Africa, etc...

Several of the Polish key-players did not show up. Some credit should go out to Smolarek though, for his hard work (impressive endurance IMO).

Yep, Poland found some life when 2-0 down, but their midfield was inexistant before that, and it's a well deserved win.
The Euro championships might be a better and harder competition than the WC, but you have to love to see the different styles from South American, Asia, Africa, etc...

Agreed these new styles are exciting to watch, can't wait for England, Sweden and Argentina vs Ivory Coast tommorow :handclap: , I love this game :bow:

Poland couldn't buy a goal that game. Geesh.

We played a piss poor game and deserved to win. Poland has been eliminated from the World Cup.

We played a piss poor game and deserved to win. Poland has been eliminated from the World Cup.

That's a double negative ;)

ATG's predicion for the next upset: Serbia over Holland, if anything the game ends in a draw. Holland won't get the three points

Poland has been eliminated from the World Cup.
Not even close.
I see Ecuador tying Germany, and beating Costa Rica. They would finish with 7 points.
Poland should beat Costa Rica and get 3 points.
All could come down to Germany vs Poland. The winner goes through, the loser is out.

Not even close.
I see Ecuador tying Germany, and beating Costa Rica. They would finish with 7 points.
Poland should beat Costa Rica and get 3 points.
All could come down to Germany vs Poland. The winner goes through, the loser is out.

Interesting but you really see Germany only getting a draw against Ecudaor if a place in the final 16 is on the line? I sure don't. I think Poland is gone as three points against Germany will be tough to come buy and then you have to hope Ecuador doesn't lay down considering they should be ahead on goal differential quite a bit if they play the way they did today. Poland playing Germany next and Ecuador playing Costa Rica makes it a very difficult road

News and Notes from the WC:

-Togo players state they won't play in the WC unless they are properly compensated financially for it. Togo President flys to Germany to try to resolve the problem

- German goalie Jens Lehmann twisted his ankle in win over Costa Rica. Looks like Oliver Kahn will get game action after all

wow. It;s like Team India who said they wanted to play without shoes in 1984.

wow. Ecuador was very impressive out there. I guess they really are no fluke because of the altitude in Quito.

Thoughts from today's games:
-I had goose bumps when the Germany game began, and i dont know why, i had no real interest in the game, perhaps just excitement.
-Germany has an awful defense. They play the trap the entire game. Agianst a good team they will have problems
-Wanchope is pretty good, but the rest of the "Ticos" are pretty poor
-Poland were awful today, perhaps Ecuador had a better strategy, but it just seemed like the Poles werent there mentally
-The results today make things interesting in what I thought would be a boring group. I think Poland will beat Costa Rica, but im not so sure the German will beat Ecuador. I think they might have a tough time agaisnt them.
-God I love the World Cup

-God I love the World Cup

Totally agreed about the germany game, I had goosebumps as the ref blew the whistle to start the game.

:yo:

That's exactly the problem, in this case Frings harldy put any curve on the ball as you could see by the replay.
The balls are really becoming so light these days that the least away from center striking has huge effects. As evilo said (and the goalkeepers already complained about earlier) there's going to be plenty of long distance goals.



By the way Lehmann looked a bit shakey today I thought.


Compared to the backline, Lehmanns performance was sterling. To give up two goals to a minnow like Costa Rica, and on such clear errors, is a very bad sign. Wonderful attacking play though, pig farmer is a pearl of a young player.

Go Poland Go, they can still make it. :)

Go Poland Go, they can still make it. :)

If only they could play like the last 10 minutes for at least 70 minutes...

I don't see how anyone can blame Lehmann on the goals. The first one was clearly Friedrich's fault, as he neutralized the offside and then obstructed Lehmann a bit by attacking Wanchobe hard. The second one was clearly the fault of Metzelder and Mertesacker, who both attacked the same player at the same time, leaving Wanchobe wide open. Kahn wouldn't have stopped the goals either, as he is horrendous in such situations.

Metzelder and Mertesacker weren't exactly playing great, but they were hurt by Friedrich, who simply misplayed the trap all the time. He didn't look all that great in other situations, either.
I didn't really like Friedrich and Schneider on the right, they should have gone over the left side more often.
I couldn't make any sense out of the substitution, either. Kehl and Neuville weren't bad choices, but Klinsmann shouldn't have taken Klose and Borowski off the field. Odonkor, on the other hand, should have come in much earlier, the right side clearly lacked speed.

Germans should have recieved a penalty shot for that hand ball by a Costa Rica defenderNo they shouldn't, he wasn't even looking at the ball.

Its incredibly stupid to give penalties for that, if they did, players wouldn't even try to score, they'd just spend all game blasting the ball at defenders arms from a yard away.

Little question here :

What determines who's going to the 2nd round and who's not between

Team B
3pl, 1W, 1D, 1L, 2GF, 3GA -1GD, 4pts
Team C
3pl, 1W, 1D, 1L, 2GF, 3GA -1GD, 4pts

The game they played againt each other ended in a 0-0 draw.
I think they draw lots.

I don't see how anyone can blame Lehmann on the goals. The first one was clearly Friedrich's fault, as he neutralized the offside and then obstructed Lehmann a bit by attacking Wanchobe hard. The second one was clearly the fault of Metzelder and Mertesacker, who both attacked the same player at the same time, leaving Wanchobe wide open. Kahn wouldn't have stopped the goals either, as he is horrendous in such situations.
Absolutely agreed.
I have no idea why everyone blames Lehmann. He couldn't do anything on the second goal, and was alone on the first.
Most goalies would have allowed these two.

I also wanted to stress another good job by the japanese ref yesterday evening.
Many refs would have disallowed Ecuador's secodn goal and Costa Rica's two goals because of offside. When they're not sure refs tend to whistle offside, which is a big mistake.

Yesterday they made good decisions.

They gotta do something about that. You can't leave those wingers unmarked. I'd ditch the trap in that situation.

That's not how it works in fact.

The idea is that the centre backs determine when the offside trap is employed (they usually shout so everyone knows it) and it's the full backs' responsability to make sure they are never caught behind the CB's on those plays. That's why the first goals for instance was Friedrich's fault because he is responsible for watching the CB's and acting to it.

However there are two ingredients to an offside trap. The first is getting the defense to form one line (which was already faulty with Germany). The second element however is just as important: you need to pressure the ball.
Because even if the 4 defenders are moving forward in a straight line, if the ball carrier is not under pressure he can
1) try to get through himself by chipping it pas the defenders moving towards him and taking advantage of the fact they have to turn around first to get to the ball or
2) he can wait for a runner from deeper (ie midfielder or winger) to give the ball to and thus catch the defense moving forward while the runner moves in behind them.

The second element was also lacking with Germany on the goals.

It's dangerous to dismiss Germany like many have on here. They have two good strikers, a great winger and a potentially devastating central midfielder, the core of a good side. They may have a shaky defence but i seem to recall Brazil having one of them too. They will reach the quarters with some comfort i predict. Then the fun will begin.

Germany - Good side, massively under-rated and will probably go far. Quarters at least.
Ecuador - Beat their rivals for the second spot and will cruise through.
Poland - As in other groups, will only not finish bottom on the basis of not being as bad as Costa Rica
Costa Rica - Nearly caused an upset against Germany but will not repeat it in their other games. Nil poi

Here I did a picture!

IIRC, Lahm was pretty much level with the central defense in both goals. Friedrich was the only defender not playing the trap.

I appreciate the effort though. ;)

Funny how a lot of the dismissive talk about Germany ended when other strong teams had troubles putting away their "weaker" opponents.

3 points isn't enough for some people apparently.

Germany - Good side, massively under-rated and will probably go far. Quarters at least.They have their fair chances to go far none the less, but their current defensive side of the game sucks.

So is Ballack or Lehmann playing against Poland?

So is Ballack or Lehmann playing against Poland?

The Captain and Lehmann will play vs. Poland.

Woohoo...game two for Germany coming up. Let's get 'em boys :handclap:

They have their fair chances to go far none the less, but their current defensive side of the game sucks.

So Germany have a poor defence. So what? So do Brazil....

Not saying they're as good, but a poor defence doesn't mean the end...

So Germany have a poor defence. So what? So do Brazil....

Not saying they're as good, but a poor defence doesn't mean the end...

It does when the rest of the team isn't really anything to write hoime about, either.

It does when the rest of the team isn't really anything to write hoime about, either.

They've got plenty of quality and I like that JK has them attacking more. They supposedly weren't any good in 02 yet they still made the final. I think we could see a real thumping tonight.

Its getting a lil nusty early on
Yellow card Krzynowek

1st chance to Poland.
Easy save

Ballack with a nice pass, Klose gets STOPPED!

Question: I'm looking at this page here:
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/match/template.html?id=17

How can a team foul without giving up a free kick?

Germany has had a few golden chances, but can't put em in the net.

Lahm is the uncontested German star right now.

Klose had the best chance of the early 2nd half

card on Ballack? :shakehead

gotta love 11 v 10

What a save!!!

This Polish goalie is a monster.

And ESPN is trying to convince us that Keller's a top 5 goalie...lol...all these guys are stealing points for their teams, except Keller.

This Polish goalie is a monster.

And ESPN is trying to convince us that Keller's a top 5 goalie...lol...all these guys are stealing points for their teams, except Keller.
lol I feel bad for American fans who have to watch these ESPN2 broadcaster. I watched the Czech/USA game on ESPN2 I didn't enjoy it at all, they break the game down for people who are watching soccer for the first time, and they leave out alot of little details in their broadcast. It's painfull watching them.

Germany should advance with ease, but if they keep playing ike this, thye won't go too far. Of course, a lot of this has to do with the health of Ballack. If he gets better, they'll drastically improve.

A draw would make things interesting. Poland much be kicking themselves for loosing the first game.

No goal. 2 crossbars.

O F F S I D E

The way I see it, it will come down to Ecuador against Germany.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!

Oops, it was #10, not #11

Woohoo!!! Finally!!! :jump:

unbelieveable

never mind goal. lol wow pooor poland I feel bad for them.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :handclap:

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!

Oops, it was #10, not #11


neuville

Okay, okay...sorry...it was a joke

thats the game.

6 points for Germany! :D

Excellent game from the Poles. Wow :handclap:

with a win over Costa Rico by Ecuador Poland will be officially eliminated.

Beautiful ball by Odonkor to Neuville with a beauty of a finish for that goal for Germany. It was a only a matter of time they scored with that onslaught they had all 2nd half..

I couldn't believe the two crossbars from 10 feet out :eek:

Although on paper it looks like the typical "lucky" Germany win, this one was deserved. For a team that pretty much had to win this one, Poland was way too passive. If we'd only didn't need so many chances for one goal...

Should make for an interesting night in Dortmund. The police have already made 300 arrests during the day... :shakehead

But that's only one side of it... in Berlin the police had to rope off the "fan mile" this afternoon because there were already 250,000 people partying and no more room left for more fans.

If you play that kind of defense like Poland did then you don't deserve a point.

Beautiful ball by Odonkor to Neuville with a beauty of a finish for that goal for Germany. It was a only a matter of time they scored with that onslaught they had all 2nd half..


That matter of time would have ran out in 90 seconds. wow what a game

with a win over Costa Rico by Ecuador Poland will be officially eliminated.Even a draw would see Poland out.

Decent game for the Germans. They need to be better finishing though, the Polish goalkeeper played well, but a lot of those shots were within a foot of him. I wasn't impressed with Podolski for the 2nd game in a row.

I think Lahm is going to be one of the breakout stars of the tournament. I didn't know too much about him until our Bundesliga draft, but he's probably been Germany's best player over both games which is a nice achievement for a LB.

I think Germany will be dangerous. We've seen teams go deep in the WC with a lot less talent and playing at home will be a nice boost. I could certainly see them making the quarters and with some luck, maybe even the semis although it can be easy to get overconfident, their group is a joke.

Even a draw would see Poland out.


They need Ecudaor to lose out and Poland needs to win against Costa Rica and then win goal differental

I couldn't believe the two crossbars from 10 feet out :eek:

... in only one second!!! :eek:

Of course Germany was better, but they had so so many chances...

And it's hard to imagine that Poland had goalie problems because Boruc was phenomenal!!!

I wanna see a 3-way-tie between Ecuador, Kostarika and Poland with all of them with 3 points and Poland with the best GD! Now that would be funny...

SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEG! :yo:

I was in the middle of the Luisenplatz here in Potsdam when the crowd went wild. Whhoooooooooo!!!

Freaking David Odonkor is finally able to play a decent pass and boom it's an assist.

Germany displayed an allaround solid game here. They had chances for two to three games.

Lahm, Ballack and Klose were all pretty good. I especially enjoyed Klose's part on defence. Wow.

Wow...we got three points.


Berlin, Berlin, Wir fahren nach Berlin!!!

Germany definately deserved the win. They could have won by more had they converted their chances. What would worry me if I'm JK is that the players really ran out of gas in the second half. Those subs were really needed. Odonkor added some much needed pace out on the flank.

Of course Germany was better, but they had so so many chances...

And it's hard to imagine that Poland had goalie problems because Boruc was phenomenal!!!

I wanna see a 3-way-tie between Ecuador, Kostarika and Poland with all of them with 3 points and Poland with the best GD! Now that would be funny...

No way that happens, the poles need a miracle as in Costa Rica beating Ecudaor with a small score line and then Poland has to demolish them and hope Ecuador gets absolutely smoked by the Germans

:D

Ok, now the REAL tournament begins.

On to Sweden or Paraguay.

Another interesting game of football. If you had to pick any side in this cup that is more likely to score a goal like that, you'd pick the Germans without a moment's thought. They deserved it though and Poland deserved to lose for their absolute lack of defending in the last minute of such a big game.

Darn,I missed this one,sounds like it was a good game

:D

Ok, now the REAL tournament begins.

On to Sweden or Paraguay.

I'm an eternal optimist, so I belive sweden will take both England and Paraguay, so good luck with England :D

Game was at 3am this morning in Taiwan, wasn't going to get up/stay up that late... it's now 7:20pm and they're finally showing the replay of the game.

That matter of time would have ran out in 90 seconds. wow what a game

Exactly, non soccer fans would just look at the score and say "oh well, another crap 1 goal game". This is why soccer is amazing, great skill and chances shown by Germany and an action filled game.

Germany deserved to win by atleast 3 or 4 goals. Germany look great and good to see that they are through to the next round.

2-0
Delgado

Delgado finally scores


2-0 Ecudaor

Dangerous rush, but a great save by the Ecuadorean Keeper

OOOOOOO Off the bar!
Unlucky for Costa Rica

Exactly, non soccer fans would just look at the score and say "oh well, another crap 1 goal game". This is why soccer is amazing, great skill and chances shown by Germany and an action filled game.

Germany deserved to win by atleast 3 or 4 goals. Germany look great and good to see that they are through to the next round.

Yeah. It's so awesome to be in Germany let alone a World Cuo city right now. I went to bed at 5 and had to get 3 hours later - but it was worth it! :D

All that talk before about Germany sucking and maybe being the first home-nation to not even advance was annoying.

Of course we know we don't have the best players but everything is possible, one thing is clear, this German team may has it weaknesses and it's young but's it's likable and they will never quit.
I love them!

Terrific strike 3-0

The scary thing is, if England win today and the Swedes draw, all Englishmen will be cheering the Germans on in the next game so they avoid them in the next round. Thats just not natural!

Si se pudo!!!! Way to go Ecuador!!! :handclap: :handclap: :bow:

The scary thing is, if England win today and the Swedes draw, all Englishmen will be cheering the Germans on in the next game so they avoid them in the next round. Thats just not natural!

That works both ways. I want no part of England, either. ;)

Except for we skip the 120 min and start with the penalty shots. :D

What are the odds of Ecuador beating Germany?

That works both ways. I want no part of England, either. ;)

Except for we skip the 120 min and start with the penalty shots. :D

I don't want neither, England played two bad games in a row bit once they get going they will be awesome. I can't also see us matching up too well with Sweden either, Ibrahimovic, even though terribly disappointing so far will love our defense and their defense is quite good.

The scary thing is, if England win today and the Swedes draw, all Englishmen will be cheering the Germans on in the next game so they avoid them in the next round. Thats just not natural!

All but one, i don't mind if we play Germany or not. We're capable of beating both. We have nobody to fear, despite how badly we've played in the two opening games!

What are the odds of Ecuador beating Germany?

I can certainly see it happening. Both teams are already through to the next round but they are also fighting to avoid England in the next round. Ecuador has been great in their first two games and a tie would give them first in the group due to goal differential I believe. What a matchup Germany-England would be. That said, I would still give Ecuador a 50-50 shot at best at finishing first in the group.

What are the odds of Ecuador beating Germany?

Can't see it happening, but since you asked for the odds I'll say 30-70. Germany was unlucky when these balls hit the crossbar and the Polish keeper was really sharp. I think that Germany will win the game 2-0 or 3-1. Should be a great match for both.

Sweden or England haven't done enough to impress me during the first games and I think that Germany is able beat both of them.

Sweden or England haven't done enough to impress me during the first games and I think that Germany is able beat both of them.

Very dangerous opinion: Don't underestimate them! Both are - on paper - better than Germany and both are capable of beating us.

Very dangerous opinion: Don't underestimate them! Both are - on paper - better than Germany and both are capable of beating us.

Don't worry Franz, when I didn't underestimated Costa Rica it should tell you something.;)

Holland and Spain would have won several World Cups by now, if you'd judged them by their roster. You are a Rangers fan....oh well I think I don't have continue.;)

Don't worry Franz, when I didn't underestimated Costa Rica it should tell you something.;)

Holland and Spain would have won several World Cups by now, if you'd judged them by their roster. You are a Rangers fan....oh well I think I don't have continue.;)

That works for Atlanta as well. ;)

Anyway, back to topic: True, the team on paper means nothing. But I am sure, both Sweden and England will play better, or at least, more dangerously than in their last two games.

Todays game will be intersting. I predict a 3-1 win for Germany here as I expect to see the Ecuadorian getting one on the scoreboard. Heck they scored five so far and the German defense isn't among the best in the tourny.;)

My gut tells me that Ballack will be huge factor for Germany in this important game. In the last game he wasn't the dangerous force up front, but this time he will.

England or Sweden. I'd prefer to play Sweden...I wanna comfront the Swedish chicas, after Germany wins. I need a Swedish lesson again, I forgot what knull meant. :D

- Only three hours left till I head for Berlin. No time for uni today. :propeller

GO DEUTSCHLAND!!!! :yo:

Germany up 1:0 after 4 mins. :handclap:

Ecuador looks nothing like the impressive team theyve showed they were.

Oh wie ist das schön...

Klose makes it 2:0.

Klinsmann is playing with fire, take Ballack off before he gets that next yellow

Ecuador is playing like ****

Klinsmann is playing with fire, take Ballack off before he gets that next yellow
Just what I was thinking a minute ago.

Ecuador is getting Punk'd!

well, that iron eagle banner and the whole pre-game national anthem ceremony certainly left me with a bad taste in my mouth. 1936 anyone?

dont they have any shame?

well, that iron eagle banner and the whole pre-game national anthem ceremony certainly left me with a bad taste in my mouth. 1936 anyone?

dont they have any shame?

Getting tired of being told to feel shame, I suspect.

well, that iron eagle banner and the whole pre-game national anthem ceremony certainly left me with a bad taste in my mouth. 1936 anyone?

dont they have any shame?
What happened?

What happened?

I didn't notice anything outrageous.

Great match by the hosts.

Lahm and Schweinsteiger slashing in from the sides, with Klose's elite finishing had Ecuador scrambling.

Ballack improved as the match went on, but you could tell he wasn't going to challenge anyone too aggressively which makes sense given his yellow card status. Great touch on Klose's 2nd goal.

shouldnt modern germany at least try to free itself from its history?
i mean, you dont have to look further than that avatar of yours PepNCheese

why use symbols made famous by the nazi movement today?

Well Ecuador made a huge mistake resting all those players.