Germany to Finish Top of Group A

Germany and Ecuador are surely through to the round of 16, but a clash between them in Berlin on June 20 will decide who to snatch pole position in Group A.

This is not to say that Germany will be taking this match lightly. "We’re definitely going to do all we can to win this game and finish top of the group," said Germany’s coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who is expecting a very tough game. "This is going to be one of those hard-fought matches that really take it out of you. It’ll be a real battle – that’s Ecuador’s style."

There is no need for Germany, as the host of World Cup 2006, to be afraid of meeting fellow European heavyweights England or Sweden in the round of 16. However, winning the group would have the added bonus of helping Germany to avoid a probable clash with the five-times World Cup champion Brazil in the semifinal.

Meanwhile, the South American side’s superior goal difference means that they only need a draw to seal first place. Thus, Ecuador will take the game easy to keep their strength intact for the next round.

Ecuador and Germany have never met before. Ecuador played three friendly matches against East Germany between 1973 and 1985, winning once, drawing once and losing once. With six points from their opening two games so far, Ecuador have already got off to their best ever start at a FIFA World Cup, although it is only their second appearance on world football’s biggest stage.

Colors for the game
Ecuador: Yellow shirts, blue shorts, red socks
Germany: White shirts, black shorts, white socks

Probable Squad