What’s at Stake in today’s matches
Today we kick off four straight days where there are four matches played. If you don’t have two televisions lined up side-by-side you’ll want to get your setup in place because two games will be played simultaneously and you won’t want to miss any of the action as the drama unfolds. Today might be the least dramatic of the four days with only one of the four spots reserved for the second round still up for grabs. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot at stake for the teams.
Group A
Germany and Ecuador are both already through to the knockout stage. With a tie or a win Ecuador will finish atop the group. A Germany win will also put them atop the group. Why does this matter? The winner of Group A will play the second place finisher from Group B and likely avoid a second round showdown with England.
There is absolutely nothing at stake in the Costa Rica vs. Poland match, which means it will probably turn out to be the most exciting match of the competition. I am LiveBlogging the match because I am masochistic.
Group B
England is already assured of a spot in the round of 16. A win or draw against Sweden will put England at the top of the group and will mean they will face the second place finisher of Group A – either Germany or Ecuador.
England’s opponent Sweden will finish first in the group if they beat England. If they draw, they will finish second in the group. If they lose, they can still advance with a Trinidad and Tobago loss against Paraguay.
Trinidad and Tobago can still advance from the group with a win against Paraguay and if England beats Sweden. In addition to those results, the Soca Warriors have to make up a goal differential. Sweden is currently +1 and Trinidad and Tobago is -2.
Paraguay is simply out for a kickabout and is playing for the proverbial pride.
Now that you know the scenarios, what do you think will be the outcome? I think by the end of the day we’ll see:
Group A
1. Germany
2. Ecuador
Group B
1. England
2. Sweden
I know, not exactly gutsy predictions, but after getting burned with my pre-tournament upset predictions, I am back to being conservative.
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Comments
By Dave Hamilton | June 20th, 2006 at 11:26 am 
Just so we move on. The sooner someone kicks England out, the better.
Posted from 
Germany
By dan | June 20th, 2006 at 11:31 am Agreed. Continue playing like they have and they’ll get found out sooner rather than later.
Posted from 
Singapore
By James | June 20th, 2006 at 12:49 pm Germany havn’t been playing great football either. I think ecuador will beat them.
Posted from 
United Kingdom
By Chris | June 20th, 2006 at 12:59 pm Not to mention Brazil not exactly being mind blowing either.
I think England will start to raise their game now.
Remember we still haven’t conceded, and have qualified after playing just two games - all despite playing badly.
Isn’t that the sign of a good team? 
Posted from United Kingdom
By OPKO | June 20th, 2006 at 1:43 pm Germany and England will win their groups today.
Second round:
Sweden beats Germany
England beats Ecuador
Posted from 
Canada
By DT | June 20th, 2006 at 1:44 pm Bob, I think neither Germany or Ecuador are afraid of England. Both teams are more than capable to beat England.
I think Germany will beat Ecuador because as the host, they have to top their group. Not because they want to avoid England. Ecuador just want to avoid injuries or suspensions. Not so much different between playing England or Sweden.
Low scoring draw for England vs Sweden match. Let’s not forget that Sven is Swedish. This will be the most boring match in the whole tournament.
Posted from 
Australia
By DT | June 20th, 2006 at 1:45 pm OPKO, you must be delusional if you think teams from Group B can advance to the quarter final.
4 goals from 4 matches so far. Group B is the most boring group by far.
Posted from Australia
By Oblacak | June 20th, 2006 at 2:05 pm Hi, there is a WC Game ongoing at the Eurosport. More info can be found at http://www.Oblacak.BlogSpot.com
By watt | June 20th, 2006 at 2:30 pm Group A
1. Ecuador
2. Germany
Group B
1. England
2. Sweden
Which is a pitty because I would have loved to see Ecuador send England home in the round of 16
Posted from Australia
By OPKO | June 20th, 2006 at 2:36 pm DT… we’ll see.
Posted from Canada
By Stuart | June 20th, 2006 at 3:31 pm I’m with you on Germany, but Sweden has England’s number.
Regardless of how it pans out, the Group B winner is in what I’ll call the “quadrant of death”…likely facing Germany in the next round and then Argentina in the quarters. If the Group B winner makes it to the semis, you won’t be able to say they didn’t earn it. I’ll say that whoever wins that quadrant wins the whole thing.
By Stuart | June 20th, 2006 at 3:31 pm Strike that…it’s the B runner-up… 
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