Group A Finales

Ecuador didn't show up today. Aside from resting both their starting strikers, the rest of the team looked completely different from the first two games. John Harkes said there's a fine line between pacing yourself and giving it too much effort. I wonder about Ecuador's decision. They played well in the first two games, but will they lose some much needed momentum for their second round encounter? Apparently, their manager has stated that they are pleased to advance into the knockout phase. Perhaps this is true. But if he has greater aspirations--and who wouldn't--then it will be interesting to see how they play against England. If they are flat and out of sync, his decision to rest players and coast will be costly. It would have been illuminating to see Ecuador test Germany's defense, which still hasn't the firepower of a top offense.

Germany, on the other hand, continued to impress. I have no doubt that previous German teams would have taken the foot off the gas after the first goal. Klinsmann seems determined to keep this team flowing. Perhaps we should expect nothing less from a former striker. Their third goal displayed timing, precision passing and team understanding that we've been looking for from Brazil (and seen from Argentina). Klose is rapidly moving up the all-time scoring list, but he basically disappeared during the knockout phase of the 2002 World Cup. As Germany faces some tighter defenses, he'll have to keep contributing--and making the home crowds cheer. I've read that Germans are somewhat reluctant to display and wave their flags. You wouldn't guess this from the stadium today.

When teams reach the point where they know their World Cup is over, interesting things can happen. Some managers empty their benches, allowing younger players to get a taste of the ultimate soccer tournament. Others retain their starters, but clearly given instructions to play freely. Both Poland and Costa Rica kept their starters on the field, and they played an entertaining game. While Poland's first goal should not have counted, given the clear foul on Porras by a Polish player, they did play well. Polish defender, Bosacki, certainly made an impression.

As did Polish goalkeeper, Artur Borac--but not the kind you want to make. Gomez's strike was strong, but Borac looked completely befuddled by the shot, which basically went through his legs. Anytime a team with high expectations doesn't advance, the manager comes under scrutiny. Borac's blunder makes one wonder about keeping Jerzy Dudek off the squad. Would Dudek have made the save against Germany, which would have preserved the draw? Maybe, but I doubt it would have made too much of a difference. Germany and Ecuador have played better than Poland and Costa Rica, both of whom will probably look to younger players and perhaps new managers as they look toward the 2010 World Cup.