Ecuador

At their first World Cup in 2002 Ecuador finished bottom of a group consisting of Mexico, Italy, and Croatia. However, in their final group match they did win 1-0 against the Croats. This time around they will feel more confident and won’t be so awestruck and coach Luis Fernando Suarez feels that his side have a good chance of finish second in the group behind Germany.

Poland won 3-0 against Ecuador in a friendly in November. It is important to remember that the match was played on a waterlogged pitch in Barcelona. Ecuador also fielded a weakened side.

The good news for Poland is that the Ecuador squad are severely lacking in European experience. Ecuador’s defenders and keepers lack good aerial ability and may be prone to mistakes when defending against crosses.

Key players include defender Ivan Hurtado who now plays in Qatar having spent some time in Spain and Mexico. The veteran defender has 127 caps including 57 World Cup qualifiers. Midfielder Edison Mendez can be used in many positions and is very talented. Augstin Delgado is Ecuador’s all-time top scorer and will be threat at the World Cup if fit.

Ecuador page

Germany

Klinsmann took the reins after Germany’s disappointing showing at Euro 2004 in Portugal. There they failed to get past the group stage where they finished behind the Czech Republic, and Holland. Germany failed to win a single match including a 0-0 draw against Latvia. They did much better at the 2002 World Cup where they reached the final losing 0-2 to Brazil.

The Germans have history on their side. The three time World Champions and four time runners-up have also won the European Championship three times.

Michael Ballack is the captain and heart of the team. The midfielder is the only world class player in the squad, but with his leadership others are likely to up their game. Polish born forward Lukas Podolski has the potential to be big star at the tournament if he can only return to the form he showed last year. Klinsmann has recently named goalkeeper Jens Lehmann as his number 1, beating out the experienced Oliver Kahn. Although both 36 years old, Kahn has been the first choice for many years while Lehmann only recently has hit top form as shown by his recent performances for Arsenal in the Champions League.

Germany page

Costa Rica

It took 12 years for Costa Rica to qualify for the World Cup again. Once again they were drawn into a group with Brazil. This time, however, they finished third behind Turkey only on goal difference and missed out on the knockout stage.

The third time around the Ticos are once again considered the underdogs. However their players will be keen to put on a good show and upset a larger footballing power.

Forward Paulo Wanchope has played in England and Spain and now plies his trade in Qatar. Defender Gilberto Martinez is the only player currently based in Europe playing for Italian club Brescia in Serie B. Alexander Guimares became Costa Rica’s coach for the second time in the midst of the qualifiers. Previously he coached the team to the 2002 World Cup.

Costa Rica page