Germany sealed top spot in Group A in impressive style, with a Miroslav Klose brace and Lukas Podolski’s first goal of the 2006 FIFA World Cup sealing an emphatic 3-0 win over Ecuador.
Both these sides had already qualified for the Round of 16 prior to this match, but it is Jurgen Klinsmann’s side who will march on to the next phase in more confident mood after a performance that simply oozed self-assurance. The sell-out crowd of 72,000 at Berlin’s Olympiastadion were certainly treated to a terrific showing from their side, for whom Klose – now tournament top scorer – was particularly impressive up front. Ecuador, meanwhile, opted to rest a number of the players who had helped secure victories over Poland and Costa Rica in the South Americans’ previous two matches, and did not look as potent without the likes of key striker Agustin Delgado. Germany will now face the Sweden from Group B in Munich on 24 June, while Ecuador will be facing England, who finished as group B winners in Stuttgart the following day
Poland rescued some pride with a 2-1 victory over Costa Rica as both sides said goodbye to the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Hannover on Tuesday, 20 June 2006.
With both sides already eliminated after two defeats, they went into this Group A match aiming to end on a high at least, and it was Costa Rica who started the better as they took a 25th-minute lead through Ronald Gomez’s free-kick. However, Batosz Bosacki drew the Poles level eight minutes later and same player headed the winning goal in the 66th minute.
Poland’s victory means they finish third in Group A with one win and two defeats – the same record as four years ago in Korea/Japan. With three defeats, bottom-placed Costa Rica are left to dwell on their poorest return in three FIFA World Cups.
England and Sweden drew 2-2 in Cologne on Tuesday, 20 June 2006 – a result that sends both teams through to the Round of 16 from Group B.
England’s prize for topping the section is to play Ecuador in Stuttgart on 25 June, while Sweden must take on hosts Germany in Munich 24 hours earlier. Sven-Goran Eriksson’s team had already secured qualification before this match and they were only denied a third successive win by a 90th-minute Henrik Larsson goal.
England had gone in front on 34 minutes through a spectacular strike from Joe Cole. Marcus Allback headed the Swedes level at 1-1 six minutes into the second half but substitute Steven Gerrard restored England’s advantage when he headed in their second on 81 minutes.
Sweden hit back to claim a late draw as Larsson stabbed in from close range just ahead of Mellberg from a low throw-in that England’s defenders failed to deal with. The match ended 2-2
In conclusion:
England have still not beaten Sweden since 1968 but, as group winners, they will be happier to be facing Ecuador and not Germany in the Round of 16. Sweden’s performance in the second half here, however, should give them confidence ahead of their meeting with the hosts.
Paraguay’s disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign finished on a high note as they beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in Kaiserslautern’s Fritz-Walter-Stadion on Tuesday 20 June.
The Soca Warriors, meanwhile, depart Germany without a win or goal to their name, and yet the pride of Leo Beenhakker’s team remains firmly intact, with tonight’s gallant defeat typical of their energetic, courageous performances throughout their debut tournament.
Much of this match was, in fact, dominated by a T&T side who fell behind to the most unfortunate of opening goals, headed past his own, helpless goalkeeper by Brent Sancho in the 25th minute.
The second half provided entertaining and competitive fare, and saw Paraguay weather a sustained Soca storm before securing their only points of the tournament with a coolly-taken 86th-minute winner from Nelson Cuevas.
GO ENGLAND! i think England will make it to at least d qurter finals. or they just may get d bronze but Brazil…gold!