Germans wrap up first, Poland overcome Costa Rica

Wins for Germany and Poland wrapped up the final action in Group A at the FIFA 2006 World Cup, with the Germans coasting past a second-string Ecuadorian line-up 3-0 and Poland came from behind to defeat Costa Rica 2-1.

Going into this morning’s action Germany and Ecuador had already confirmed their spot in the second round, whilst Costa Rica and Poland were already on their way home at the end of the Group. Positions were all that was to be decided with pride on the line for all four sides.

A capacity crowd of 72,000 in Berlin watched the host nation dominate Ecuador en route to an impressive victory. A double from leading scorer Miroslav Klose and a first goal for Lucas Podolski was enough for manager Jurgen Klinsmann’s men to advance through the group stage without dropping a point.

Klinsmann was upbeat after the match, talking up his team’s chances of future progression through the tournament.

"The team knows if it plays to its full potential it need fear no one," said Klinsmann.

"But we must keep our feet on the ground," added the 41-year-old, warning that maxmimum points and two goals conceded in three group games are no guarantee of success.

"The goal of group winner is achieved. The team knows the tournament is up and running in earnest now.

"I am happy to sample the great atmosphere and with the points we have racked up but we must keep our feet on the ground," said Klinsmann, hoping at least to emulate predecessor Rudi Voller in taking the team to the final.

Ecuador, who just needed a draw to secure top spot in their group hadn’t conceded all tournament but that all changed just four minutes into this encounter as Klose drilled the ball home after a clever cut-back from Bastien Schweinsteiger.

Klose became the tournament’s top scorer when he ran onto a chipped pass from skipper Michael Ballack and bagged his second goal.

Podolski joined Klose on the scoresheet in the 57th minute, as the Polish-born striker slid in a cross from Bernd Schneider to extend the lead further.

Ecuador, playing a weakened side, were getting opened up easily and despite the absence of several first-team regulars, the South Americans must improve if they aim to reach the quarter-finals.

In the other match this morning, a double from defender Bartosz Bosacki has handed Poland victory over Costa Rica in Hanover.

The Ricans looked promising early but lacked the killer pass to take an early lead. Two good chances fell to gangly striker Paulo Wanchope but he couldn’t finish them off.

However, Costa Rica finally took the lead when Ronald Gomez smashed a left-foot freekick through the bottom of the wall and in between the legs of Polish keeper Artur Boruc to give the Ticos a well-deserved lead.

The Poles hit back eight minutes later when Bosacki volleyed home a corner in a well-worked move, and Bosacki made it two when his header crashed into the back of the net and salvaged some pride for Poland as they emerged victorious.

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