GERMANY v ECUADOR, POLAND v COSTA RICA - THE BEAN PREVIEW

The final round of matches in the Group A kick off today but the teams advancing to the next stage have already been decided.

Germany and Ecuador have won their opening two matches and have booked their places in the next stage but the game between the nations will decide who finishes top and second in the table.

The game between Poland and Costa Rica will be a battle for pride; neither team will want to have three losses on their record.

Germany will be without Torsten Frings after the experienced midfielder got a knock on his lower leg in a training session. Michael Ballack is expected to play even though he is currently on a yellow card.

Ecuador have five players who are one booking away from suspension including Aston Villa full back Ulises de la Cruz. Carlos Tenorio will be rested due to an ankle injury. This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides.

Costa Rica will most likely name an unchanged side from their 3-0 defeat to Ecuador. Gilberto Martinez is the only player not at the disposal of Alexandre Guimaraes, who is injured at the start of the competition.

Poland's Bartoz Bosacki could miss out with Mariusz Jop waiting in the wings to replace him. Radoslaw Sobolewski is suspended for the game and it is expected that the Polish will play some youngsters to gain some experience. There have been three meetings between these two teams prior to the match with Poland coming out on top on all three occasions.

Germany 2/5 - Draw 10/3 - Ecuador 13/2 (Sporting Odds)

Potential final standings

Ecuador 7
Germany 7
Poland 1
Costa Rica 1

ENGLAND v SWEDEN MATCH PROGRAMME

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