When the draw for Group A was first revealed in December, it looked like the hosts would have a nice easy time of it.
While their opponents are no pushovers, Germans celebrated what they believed to be an easy route to the Round of 16 considering none of their "groupmates" ranked in the FIFA top 20.
Since then, optimism has been replaced by angst as Germany was blown out 4-1 by Italy in a friendly. Anything less than a semi-final berth would be crushing for the soccer-crazy fans anxious for a fourth Cup title to come on home soil.
Poland, who was just behind England in its qualifying group, will have thousands of fans making the short trip to support the potential sleepers.
While inconsistent, Ecuador has played well against South American opponents and cannot be summarily dismissed.
Costa Rica was no threat to replace the U.S. or Mexico in qualifying and shouldn't offer much of a cause for fear here either.
---
COSTA RICA
Friday vs. Germany, noon
Thursday vs. Ecuador, 9 a.m.
June 20 vs. Poland, 10 a.m.
FIFA RANKING 26TH
The Ticos made a coaching change to Alexandre Guimaraes in the middle of qualifying to sneak into the tournament as the third representative from the CONCACEF region ... It didn't hurt that they easily handled Canada twice in qualifying play, including a 3-1 road victory that embarrassed the red and white side ... Manufactured a massive upset at 1990 Cup in Italy when they advanced to the second round ... Goalkeeper Jose Porras' nickname is "Super Poras," which given his position doesn't sound so good in English.
CUP ODDS 250-1 GROUP 20-1
Have shown they can survive on the biggest stage, making it through to the World Cup in 1998 and just missing on goal differential in 2002.
COACH
Brazilian-born Alexandre Guimaraes, who must be troubled by a 4-0 warmup loss to Ukraine.
WORLD CUP HISTORY
Third appearance, advanced to second round in 1990.
BIG GAME
June 9, vs. Germany. Ticos have the misfortune of opening against the host country.
WHO TO WATCH
Paulo Wanchope, Striker
A legend in his homeland, Wanchope has an impressive Costa Rican record 43 international goals in 67 matches.
The gangly forward, who plans to retire after the Cup, has seen his fame and status grow in England where he played for Manchester City, West Ham and Derby County.
---
GERMANY
Friday vs. Costa Rica, noon
Wednesday vs. Poland, 3 p.m.
June 20 vs. Ecuador, 10 a.m.
FIFA RANKING 19TH
Germans have been a favourite target of criticism in the weeks leading to the Cup. It started a year ago, actually, when coach Jurgen Klinsmann suggested getting to the quarter-finals would be a success ... Host nations have triumphed a remarkable six times in the 17 tournaments played ... Over-achieved to get to the 2002 final vs. Brazil, taking advantage of one of the softer routes through ... Strengths are an up-tempo, attacking game reflecting Klinsmann's offensive bent.
CUP ODDS 5-1 GROUP 2-5
An easy draw should get them to the Round of 16. Never, ever, count the Germans out on home soil. The West Germans won at home in 1974.
COACH
Former German striker Jurgen Klinsmann, who led the team to the 1990 title.
WORLD CUP HISTORY
Sixteenth Cup, three-time champs, four-time runners-up.
BIG GAME
June 14, vs. Poland. A win here should get Germans through with little pressure.
WHO TO WATCH
Michael Ballack, Midfielder
Germany's cautious captain, who recently left Bayern Munich for Chelsea, is an attacking midfielder with a nose for the goal. Ballack, who has scored 30 times in 63 appearances for his country, emerged as star material four years ago, carrying his team to a surprise berth in the World Cup final. With Ballack suspended for the championship game, however, the Germans had little chance against Brazil.
---
POLAND
Friday vs. Ecuador, 3 p.m.
Wednesday vs. Germany, 3 p.m.
June 20 vs. Costa Rica, 10 a.m.
---
FIFA RANKING 29TH
After a 16-year absence from the tournament, Poland returned in 2002 but were first-round victims. Since then, the Poles have put together a high-scoring attack that must be respected ... Finished a solid second to England during qualifying ... Seem to subscribe to the best defence is a big offence philosophy after scoring 27 goals in 10 qualifying games ... Poles hope to return to the glory years of the 1970s when they bounced England to reach 1974 final ... Lone win in 2002 was a 3-1 decision over the U.S.
If the Germans play down to their press reports, the Poles, who failed to qualify for Euro 2004, loom as an upset threat and may advance.
COACH
Former Polish star defender Pawel Janas, who played on the 1982 third-place team.
WORLD CUP HISTORY
Sixth appearance. Eliminated in first round four years ago.
BIG GAME
June 14, vs. Germany. Given their political past, this will be an emotional ordeal for the Poles.
WHO TO WATCH
Maciej Zurawski, Striker
With 15 goals in 48 international appearances, the Celtic star is the key to Poland's offence.
Zurawski scored seven times during qualifying and will make his second trip to the Cup final.
"The first time around was a real learning curve," said Zurawski, who teams with Tomas Frankowski to give the Poles a potent attack. "In the meantime, I think I have become a better player."
---
ECUADOR
Friday vs. Poland, 3 p.m.
Thursday vs. Costa Rica, 9 a.m.
June 20 vs. Germany, 10 a.m.
FIFA RANKING 39TH
The South American side is seen by some to have upset potential because of wins against powerhouses Brazil and Argentina during qualifying. Making only their second Cup appearance, that would seem to be an optimistic projection, however ... Debut in 2002 was marked by upset win over Croatia but that wasn't enough to move on ... Squad generally performs better in high altitude of its home and tend to struggle when it makes a rare trip to Europe ... . Has only won one of its past nine games.
CUP ODDS 200-1 GROUP 9-1
An improving team with big aspirations, but they likely need some experience against big European squads.
COACH
Luis Fernando Suarez is a Colombian known for his disciplinary approach.
WORLD CUP HISTORY
Second Cup appearance, failed to advance in 2002.
BIG GAME
June 9th, vs. Poland. Need an upset to have a chance to move on and this could be the spot.
WHO TO WATCH
Christian Lara, Midfielder
Attacking midfielder Lara has been compared to Brazilian superstar Robinho because of his diminutive (5-foot-4) frame.
Known for his trick plays, Lara has been nicknamed Diablito (Little Devil).
In a crucial South American qualifier last year, Lara scored one goal and set up another in crucial 2-0 win over Argentina.
|
