GERMANY 3 ECUADOR 0, COSTA RICA 1 POLAND 2 - GROUP A MATCHES REPORT
Report by Pez

With both Ecuador and Germany assured of second round places, their contest would decide nothing more than who topped the group. Ecuador rested key players who were on yellow cards, while Germany re-introduced Robert Huth to a strong starting line up.

Ecuador had the first chance, Luis Valencia raced away from Phillip Lahm and his cross somehow was missed by the run of Ivan Kaviedes. However it took just four minutes for Germany to take the lead, through prolific hit man Miroslav Klose. A hooked ball over the box found its way to Bastian Schwheinstieger, whose bobbling pull back was slammed in to the bottom corner of the net by Klose, already his third goal of the tournament. The game died down after a frantic opening, with only a long ball threatening to cause Ecuador any real problems.

As the half neared its conclusion Germany began to put more pressure on Ecuador, and Klose shot a difficult volley over bar, but on the stroke of half time he got his second of the half. Klose made a run between the two centre backs, and Michael Ballack's impudent chip found the striker who rounded a flailing Christian Mora to make it 2-0 to Germany at half time.

Ecuador's play was limited in first half, and as much so in the second, Edwin Tenorio and Edison Mendez both had 30 yard, dipping efforts palmed over the bar by Jens Lehmann. It was then Germany who were back on the offensive, and a third goal came about from a wonderful counter-attacking move. Huth made a tackle, and from that three quick passes ended up with the ball at Schweinsteiger's feet. Having beaten the offside trap, he stayed wide and Lukas Podolski, breaking his goal scoring duck, finished Schweinstieger's low curling cross from the centre of the box.

Substitutions from Germany removed, Klose and Torsten Frings, and at the same time removed any real life from the game. Ecuador's Mendez free kick dipped agonisingly close to Lehmann's top corner, but only landed on the top of the net, and a Michael Ballack thunderbolt was palmed out in the only real action after those substitutions.

Man Of The Match: Miroslav Klose - The Poland born German ran the show in the first half, and took two fine goals for his efforts. He and Lukas Podolski have formed a real partnership now, although it is this man who is most often at the business end of the combination.

Referee: Valentin Ivanov
Venue: Olympiastadion
Attendance: 72,000

Costa Rica 1 v 2 Poland

Poland took all three points to end a disappointing tournament on a high note, after coming from behind to beat Costa Rica.

It was the South American's who took the early initiative despite Poland's dominance in possession, striker Ronald Gomez fired a free-kick under the body of Artur Boruc in the 24 minute, as the South American's looked simply as though they were there to enjoy themselves. Poland fought back though, Bartosz Bosacki volleyed home after 'keeper Porras fumbled a corner, that was a goal which on the balance of play was fully deserved. The first half ended with both sides looking to attack, Maciej Zurawski came closest but his shot was blocked on its way to goal.

Apart from the lively Paulo Wanchope, it was once again Poland on top; Wanchope's header flew wide, before Bosacki scored his second of the afternoon. Bosacki was once again the beneficiary of a Krzynowek corner, but this time he headed the ball past Porras. Wanchope had a goal disallowed but Poland held on comfortably and avoided being the first side to leave the tournament with 0 points, that accolade fell to a Costa Rica side who too often relied on Wanchope.

Player of the Group: Miroslav Klose - The German frontman went to the top of the World Cup goalscoring charts with his second brace of the tournament, and stands a great chance of walking away with the golden boots. He alone has scored half of Germany's eight goals so far, and if he stays on form, will be a huge asset to his team.

Final Standings: 1. Germany - 2. Ecuador - 3. Poland - 4. Costa Rica

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