Who Ate All The Bratwurst

5 Conclusions: Germany v Portugal

1 Picking up a bronze medal meant a lot more to Germany on home-soil than it did to Portugal.

2 Cristiano Ronaldo must want to be more hated. Why continue to dive in a fairly meaningless match when you know the world is watching you?

3 Bastian Schweinsteiger left it a bit too late. He has been below par in this tournament, especially in comparison to his over-achieving team-mates.

4 The German FA will sign Jurgen Klinsmann up on a long contract. Then it will all go pear-shaped without home advantage and they will have to give him a big payoff when they sack him. He should walk now and he will be remembered as a hero.

5 Jens Lehmann ahead of Oliver Kahn was the correct decision. Well done, Jurgen!

Rob Parker

Third place playoff preview: Germany v Portugal

GERMANY V PORTUGAL
Stuttgart, 8pm BST (BBC)

It looked like it could be a good match, but Klinsmann is playing a few reserves and Big Phil Scolari is offended by the whole match. You would suspect that finishing third means a little more to Germany than is does to Portugal, and as long as they are taking it seriously we might see a decent game.

Team News Germany skipper Michael Ballack is out of the match with an inflamed knee. Oliver Kahn, Marcell Jansen and Robert Huth come in for Jens Lehmann, Arne Friedrich and Per Mertesacker. Portugal are without Miguel who picked up a knee injury in the semi-final against France. Paulo Ferreira is his likely replacement.

Prediction Germany 2-0 Portugal

Rob Parker

5 Conclusions: Germany v Italy

1 What a game: one of the best 0-0 draws ever followed by dramatic extra time.

2 It is sad to see the hosts get knocked out. Bratwurst wanted Germany to go all the way, but I predicted a win for Italy in extra time and they deserved it in the end.

3 It was great to watch an end-to-end game with sensible refereeing and players not diving all over the place. Benito Archundia should referee the final now.

4 The match did not deserve to be settled on penalties, so I was glad to see an extra time winner (some of our German readers will probably disagree!).

5 Italy v France would be a mouth-watering final based on the last performance from either side.

Rob Parker

Semi-final preview: Germany v Italy

GERMANY V ITALY
Dortmund, 8pm BST (ITV1)

Klinsmann's army marches on to Dortmund where the German national team has an excellent record. Expect a tight, nervy affair as Germany's counter-attacking pace is pitted against Italy's resolute defending. The Germans have already shown that they can force sides who try to sit back (even with a lead) and it will be interesting to see how Italy approach the game. The match is a repeat of the 1982 final which Italy won 3-1, but the world has changed a lot since then. After all, Italian football was in throes of a match fixing scandal in 1982...

Team News Germany's holding midfielder Torsten Frings is harshly suspended for his involvement in the post-match fracas with Argentina forcing Klinsmann to tinker with his starting line-up for the first time since the second group match. Tim Borowski is likely to replace him. Italy will almost certainly still be without Alessandro Nesta.

Prediction Germany 0-1 Italy (aet)

Rob Parker

5 Conclusions: Germany v Argentina

1 Congratulations to our glorious hosts.

2 Argentina (and particularly Pekerman) seemed to have started to believe their own hype. Planning for the semi-final instead of focusing on the task in hand proved fatal.

3 Jens Lehmann is a formidable keeper in a penalty shootout, more so than Oliver Kahn.

4 Oliver Bierhoff looked like a bouncer in his suit and acted the part in the post-match fracas!

5 Jurgen Klinsmann has got his leaping David Pleat impression spot on.

Rob Parker

5 Conclusions: Germany v Sweden

1 If Sweden had played that poorly against England I think we would have beaten them comfortably.

2 A German football team brimming with confidence is a worrying sight.

3 Referee Carlos Simon put in a terrible performance. There is no way he was going to send Lucic off before the Germans intervened, and then to show him the red card with that big grin on his face was very unprofessional.

4 If there was anyone you could rely on to keep a cool head and put that penalty away, I would have thought it was Henrik Larsson. Obviously not.

5 Zlatan Ibrahimovic has given a poor account of himself in this tournament. I expected him to announce himself on the world stage at Germany 2006, but he has looked totally out of sorts.

Rob Parker

Bratwurst awards ceremony for the World Cup losers

Just like the headteacher at a failing school's awards evening, here at Bratwurst we want to make sure that nobody goes home empty handed. This is our awards ceremony full of token prizes for those teams whose World Cup dream is now over after first round elimination.

Join us in this celebration of mediocrity and allow me to hand you over to our host with most: Mr Mick McCarthy.

The Award for having most players in the second round without qualifying
And the winner is: Poland
The Poles may be out, but Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose are still flying the flag (the German flag though).

The Award for best Premiership blast from the past
And the winner is: Paulo Wanchope (Costa Rica)
The gangly forward is reportedly angling for a return too.

The Award for talking a good game
And the winner is: Paraguay
They were all mouth before the tournament and didn't deliver.

The Award for outstanding effort
And the winner is: Trinidad and Tobago
Nobody expect anything other than three heavy defeats for T&T and they proved everyone wrong.

The Award for being the best team not to qualify for the second round
And the winner is: Ivory Coast
Gave an excellent account of themselves, but the Group of Death was a bit too deadly for them.

The Award for messiest World Cup divorce
And the winner is: Serbia & Montenegro
S&M will go their separate ways now. Not sure who gets the kids.

The Award for worst World Cup haircut
And the winner is: Loco (Angola)
No need for any comment here.

The Award for the participating country most likely to get bombed by America
And the winner is: Iran
Unless George Dubya has been wooed by their carpet pennants.

The Award for furthest distance travelled downhill after an opening match
And the winner is: Czech Republic
So full of promise after whipping the USA, but it all ended in tears.

The Award for the coach with the more plausible name for a World Cup venue
And the winner is: Bruce Arena (USA)
"Welcome to the Bruce Arena in Frankfurt for today's game between..."

The Award for most referees eliminated from the World Cup
And the winner is: Croatia
With a little help from Mr Poll himself, of course!

The Award for giving Brazil a scare before getting thrashed
And the winner is: Japan
You can never keep Ronaldo down. Weebles wobble but they don't fall down.

The Award for most French hearts put in mouths
And the winner is: South Korea
They nearly sneaked through after that late equaliser against Les Bleus.

The Pierre van Hooijdonk Award for most strikes threatened
And the winner is: Togo
If only they had spent as much time on the training ground as they had at the negotiation table.

The Award for packing midfield and not scoring enough goals
And the winner is: Tunisia
Couldn't change their system even when they needed a win against Ukraine.

The Award for most surnames in a squad beginning with 'Al'
And the winner is: Saudi Arabia
No fewer than 12 of the Saudi squad were Al something.

Rob Parker

5 Conclusions: Ecuador v Germany

1 The result wasn't too bad considering it was Ecuador reserves playing.

2 Germany still don't look a brilliant team, but they are dangerous. Confidence is high and the crowds are behind them.

3 It is a shame that Delgado and Carlos Tenorio didn't play so that we could see the German defence up against a decent partnership.

4 Robert Huth (pictured) is the lovechild of Michael Schumacher and England cricketer Robert Key.

5 England would definitely rather face Ecuador than Germany in the next round.

Rob Parker

Bet of the Day: Ecuador to beat Germany

Bet of the Day winners are like buses; we waited ages for one and then two came along at once. Yesterday we predicted four or more goals in the Spain-Tunisia game and a 3-1 win for Spain. Stick with us we could be on a roll...

Immediately after the first round of Group A matches I had a flutter on Ecuador to beat Germany, so I might as well stick to my guns. Unfortunately, it looks like star striker Carlos Tenorio (pictured) will be rested, which will not help Ecuador's chances. Blue Square has an Ecuador victory at 7/1.

Rob Parker

Germany 2006: Day 7 preview & predictions

Day 7 sees the return of England and its Group B buddies. Oh, the heat, I'm melting! etc etc.

2pm Ecuador v Costa Rica, Group A, Hamburg (ITV)
5pm England v Trinidad & Tobago, Group B, Nuremberg (ITV)
8pm Sweden v Paraguay, Group B, Berlin (ITV)

Click below to read the full preview & predictions…

Germany 2006: Day 7 preview & predictions cont…

2pm Ecuador v Costa Rica, Group A, Hamburg (ITV)

There's always an underdog or two that makes it through to the knockout stages and this year that underdog is Ecuador. They're sitting pretty after Poland's loss to Germany last night and a draw should be enough to see them through to the second round. Costa Rica's defence was terrible in its opener, against the Germans, but Paolo Wanchope showed he still has a taste for the big stage. This will be close.
Player cam: 'Wanchope the Unpredictable' is always worth watching.
Prediction: Ecuador 1 – 1 Costa Rica

* * * * *

5pm England v Trinidad & Tobago, Group B, Nuremberg (ITV)

T&T were supposed to be the weakest team in the tournament, but of course they forgot to read the script. As every pundit is now saying, T&T are no pushovers. Isn't hindsight wonderful? If England goes out to enjoy the game, I think they'll win by two or three. If they're tense and nervous (it has been known) then a shock could be on the cards. But will Sven put Rooney on if England are struggling?
Player cam: Wayne Rooney will find it almost impossible to sit still on the bench. Muzzle that puppy! On the pitch, can little Dwight Yorke put one over on England's towering centre-backs? Possibly.
Prediction: England 2 – 0 Trinidad & Tobago

* * * * *

8pm Sweden v Paraguay, Group B, Berlin (ITV)

Both teams are in a tight spot after poor opening games, and they each desperately want three points from this fixture. Let's face it, the best either Sweden or Paraguay can hope for is a quarter-final place – they're average teams who will be found out should they reach the knockout stages. In fact, Group B is probably the poorest group in the tournament – in terms of football entertainment and quality, anyway.
Player cam: Will Freddie Ljungberg be on speaking terms with Olof Mellberg? Or any of his team-mates, for that matter.
Prediction: Sweden 1 – 0 Paraguay

The Bratwurst pickle: Who should play in central defence for Germany?

One for our German readers mainly, but anyone is free to join in: who should play in central defence for Germany? Are Per Mertesacker and Christoph Metzelder really the best pairing Deutschland has to offer? Robert Huth always seems solid for Chelsea, so it has been a bit of a surprise to see the shaky Mertesacker starting at his expense. What do the German public think?

Rob Parker

5 Conclusions: Germany vs Poland

1 Germany might have celebrated like they had won the World Cup, but they are not going to.

2 The German defence was better than against Costa Rica (albeit against a side who were not particularly bothered about scoring) but they still look vulnerable to pace.

3 The Polish fans are great. It is a shame their team looks like it is going home because they were louder than the Germans for most of the match.

4 I did conclude that David Odonkor is very quick (bet his defence can't stop him in training!) but wasteful in possession – then he set up the winner, so I'd better not conclude that.

5 Germany did deserve to win the match, but it was hard luck for the Poles having kept to their gameplan for so long. 

Rob Parker

5 Conclusions: Germany v Costa Rica

1 I could have saved Adidas millions in research & development, simply by buying a beach ball and painting it white. That new ball – bit flyaway, isn't it? At times, it made Lehmann and the Costa Rican keeper look like muppets.

2 I was wrong about Group D (Mexico, Portugal, Iran, Angola) being the easiest group. Group A is embarrassingly easy for the hosts. Poland are clearly painfully average – as are Ecuador for that matter – whilst a non-league team would have tested Costa Rica, on last night's evidence at least. Yet another piss-easy route for the Germans.

3 Oliver Kahn's brief smirk when Jens Lehmann conceded that first goal was priceless.

4 I should have put Miroslav Klose in my fantasy team, rather than Lukas Podolski. And picking two Poles doesn't look too clever right now. Oh well.

5 After his lively performance, Paolo Wanchope will probably end up playing in England next season.

5 Conclusions: Poland vs Ecuador

1 Most players like to use the World Cup to put themselves in the shop window for a move to a bigger club. Ecuador goalkeeper Cristian Mora (pictured) instead attempted to further his career as a children's party entertainer by playing in face paint.

2 Gelsenkirchen was secretly moved to Poland for the evening. We predicted plenty of Poland fans to be there but I didn't expect that many. They were louder than the Germans earlier today.

3 Group A might not be as easy to call as we thought. Poland need to beat Germany now and Ecuador would as good as book their place in the next round with victory over Costa Rica.

4 Carlos Tenorio was indeed One To Watch.

5 You would fancy Peter Crouch against dodgy defender (and closet Vulcan) Mariusz Jop (pictured). Ivan Hurtado looks a more formidable and likely opponent though.

Kit Parade: Poland

The only Group A kit we have not yet had a look at is Poland. We didn't want the Polish squad feeling left out before they played their opening match, so here it is. It is another of the strange Puma shirts - the novelty soon wears off. The national symbol of Poland is the eagle, but Puma has instead opted to have a winged horseman hidden in the design for some reason. You can order it from Kitbag.

Rob Parker

One To Watch: Carlos Tenorio, Ecuador

Ecuador will quietly fancy their chances of causing an upset against Poland in Gelsenkirchen tomorrow. Carlos Tenorio, a 27-year-old striker, will be key to their chances. He scored only once in qualifying but definitely has the potential to do well in Germany. Carlos (not to be comfused with team-mate Edwin Tenorio) is very fast, powerful and good in the air. He picked up a calf strain in Ecuador's recent friendly defeat to Macedonia, but he's since recovered and should play a part against Poland. Watch him unsettle the Polish defence.

Oliver Kahn's Munich motorway madness!

As advertising banners go, this one, which overarches a motorway near Munich airport, takes some beating. Shame Kahn won't be starting for Germany, but, hey, he might cause a pile-up or three.

Michael Ballack and Oliver Kahn have vibrators removed

Germany stars Michael Ballack and Oliver Kahn have successfully forced a German sex shop to stop selling erotic toys named after them. Beate Uhse has removed the 'Ollie K' and 'Michael B' models from its shelves after the footballers threatened to take legal action. A 'David B' vibrator had also been on sale.

The offending items were 16cm long and were on sale for around £50. Congratulations to Beate Uhse, who have generated a lot of publicity at very little cost. (Via Blogcritics)

Rob Parker

Kit Parade: Ecuador

Ecuador have managed to out do group-mates Costa Rica in the obscure kit supplier stakes. The shirt is manufactured by Marathon (who?). This seems to be their official website. Full marks to Ecuador, and indeed Costa Rica, for not opting for Puma like every other lower ranked team. The shirt itself is pretty impressive. It has a cool asymmetrical thing going on and, again like Costa Rica, features brush strokes on the kit. It's art, baby! You can buy it from UK Soccer Shop.

Rob Parker

Germany and Holland: just good friends

'"I want my bicycle back" taunts the German slogan on a Dutch fan’s T-shirt, making light of Nazi plundering of the Netherlands while stirring up one of the most bitter rivalries in international football…'

Great article on why the Dutch hate the Germans so much – and vice versa.

One to watch: David Odonkor

David Odonkor is the Theo Walcott of the Germany squad. He had not been mentioned as a candidate for the World Cup and his inclusion was every bit as unexpected as Walcott's.

The buzz words coming from a lot of managers in the lead up to the World Cup seem to be 'surprise' and 'pace'. Odonkor fulfils both criteria because, as well as being relatively unknown outside Germany, he can run 100 metres in 10.9 seconds - even faster than Walcott.

Odonkor, aged 22, has benefited from Sebastian Deisler's injury as the German squad was short of players capable of carrying the ball at pace. Expect to see Jurgen Klinsmann unleash his secret weapon in the final third of games against tiring defences.

Klinsmann told the BBC: "He's a great talent and brings something we urgently need - speed, the unexpected and someone who can sprint to the goal line and give us a cross from deep in the corner. We believe that he can help us with his cheekiness, something we're missing."

Odonkor, who looks a bit like the love-child of Adriano and Kieron Dyer, could have qualified to play for Ghana through his father. He has been representing Germany from youth level though, and was expecting to compete with the Under-21 side over the summer.

He has been on Borussia Dortmund's books since he was 14 and broke into their first team in 2002. He played 33 of Dortmund's 34 league games this season.

Click here for photos from Odonkor's website of him and the rest of the German squad training barefoot in Sardinia.

Rob Parker

All 32 squads announced. Here are the full details…

So all 32 World Cup squads have now been announced. Sven wasn't joking: Theo Walcott (pictured) is still in there! World Cup Blog has done the groundwork and compiled an exhaustive list of all the squads, which you can see by visiting Bob and co's excellent site…

Kit Parade: Costa Rica

The only kit at this World Cup made by Joma is a belter. Nothing beats a couple of impressionistic brush strokes across the chest to make you feel like a world beater. Very artistic and available to buy from UK Soccer Shop.

Kit Parade: Germany

The hosts with the most are retaining their efficient white top, black shorts look for this summer's World Cup.  German flair comes in the form of a yellow and red slither of colour down each side.  A major design fault is the number of stars above the badge - far too many I would say!  What do our German readers think of the kit?  If it isn't to your liking you could get the 1954 World Cup shirt or, if you like it, you can buy the current kit from kitbag.

Rob Parker

GROUP A: the verdict

We've now profiled all four teams in Group A: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Germany and Poland. So it's time for the first ever Official Bratwurst Group Prediction. As with Pele's prophetic outpourings, the value of predictions can go down as well as up…

GROUP A: HOW THEY'LL FINISH

1st Germany Ranked 19th in the world and still the best team in the group. I see them beating Ecuador and Costa Rica comfortably and playing out a draw against the plucky Poles.

2nd Poland They'll have loads of support in Germany (including some pretty nasty hooligans, if reports are to be believed) and will sail through on the host's coat-tails.

3rd Ecuador Ranked above Norway and Ukraine in FIFA's comedy rankings, so no mugs. Could push Poland for second place but I still think they'll just miss out.

4th Costa Rica Struggled to get past Cuba in qualifying and their best player by a mile is Paolo Wanchope, so it's the wooden spoon for Los Ticos.

So Germany and Poland make it to the second round (how could they not, given that this is one of the lamest groups in WC history), where they will face the top two teams from England's group. That's where things will get really interesting…

Loadsa Reffin' Money!

There aren't many good referees about are there? I quite liked Paul Durkin, but he's retired. I really don't like Mike Riley. Thankfully, he's not going to the World Cup finals.

The lucky sods that are taking part are going to be smiling. It's more than mere prestige I can tell you.

You see, the World Cup refs have been given a 100% pay rise, which will see them earn £22,500 each!

The total refereeing bill for the month-long tournament will top £2,250,000, the Daily Mirror said yesterday.

There will be twenty three refs officiating the 64 World Cup matches, and their assistants will be paid the same amount. Bloody Nora!

Refs got £11,250 for the finals in Japan and South Korea four years ago, and of course, there wasn't a dodgy decision in sight... apart from the really ropey ones that saw Spain bow out to the hosts. And loads of others.

Still, FIFA love them and have thought it a good idea to give them an even greater (self inflated) opinion of themselves.

Keep an eye out for Russian linesmen.

One to watch: Lukas Podolski, Germany

If you check out bookies' odds for the Golden Boot, you'll see that Lukas Podolski (that's his action figure, by the way) is 28-1. Pretty short odds for a player most England fans will know very little about, if they've heard of him at all…

Lukas Podolski, Germany

Podolski is big news in Germany, though. When videogame giants EA Sport announced its cover stars for FIFA 06, they introduced Wayne Rooney… Ronaldinho… and Podolski. Esteemed company for such a little-known player, but then marketeers and fans alike have lauded Pod as German football's next big thing. So what has he done to deserve the tag?

Pod is 20 years old, Polish-born and still plays his club football for FC Köln, the club he joined at 10 years of age. He played for Germany at Euro 2004 (as a substitute) and then caught the eye when he scored three goals at last year's Confederations Cup. German coach Jurgen Klinsmann rates him very highly and it's easy to see why: Pod is fast, physically strong and nerveless in front of goal. He scored seven goals in his first 13 international appearances, proving beyond any doubt that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

If Podolski plays well and scores against Costa Rica in the tournament's opening match, a star will be born and Germany may start dreaming of a fourth World Cup title. And as I mentioned, at 28-1 he's a tempting each-way flutter for the Golden Boot.

Team Guide: POLAND

As relentless as an Arsenal attacking move and as incisive as a Steven Gerrard through-ball, why it's the WaatB? World Cup team guides of course.  Next up are England's perennial qualifying buddies Poland.

POLAND, Group A

9 June vs ECUADOR (8pm*, Gelsenkirchen)

14 June vs GERMANY (8pm, Dortmund)

20 June vs COSTA RICA (3pm, Hanover)

*all time BST

World Ranking 28

How they qualified

You should remember really.  They qualified from the same group as England as one of the best-placed runner-up.  Their home and away defeats against England were the only times they dropped points during qualification and they led the group for a long period.

World Cup history

Probably better than you remember.  Poland finished third in both the 1974 and 1982 World Cup finals.  However, the memories of the glory days have been tarnished by a long period of under-achievement.  The 2002 World Cup was the first time the Poles had qualified since 1986, and in Japan and Korea they finished bottom of the group.

Star man

A few to choose from, but on his day Jacek Krzynowek is the real stand-out player.  The 29-year-old is a hard-working winger who knows how to deliver a decent cross.  He started on the bench in the final group match against England but had generally been excellent throughout qualifying.  Krzynowek currently plays in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen.  He was linked with a possible loan move to Portsmouth during the January transfer window, which never materialised.  He will look to put patchy club form behind him in the summer as his invariably does when playing for his country.

Strengths

The strike partnership of Celtic's Maciej Zurawski and Tomas Frankowski who scored 14 goals between them in qualification.

Haven't got far to travel to neighbouring Germany.

Must fancy their chances against Costa Rica and Ecuador.

Weaknesses

A leaky defence, which the goalscorers may not be able disguise against quality opposition.

A hooligan following which is said to be as bad as anything seen in the 1980s who also haven't got far to travel to neighbouring Germany.

Did you know?

According to legend, Poland (formerly known as Lechia) was founded by a bloke called Lech who was out hunting with his two brothers, Czech and Rus.  The brothers split up as they hunted different prey and each ended up creating a country.

Odds 100-1 (www.bluesq.com)

Verdict

Favourites for second spot in Group A behind Germany, although expect them to give their neighbours a run for their money.  If everything goes to form Poland would face England in the second round, where you would like to think their World Cup adventure would end.

Rob Parker

Team Guide: GERMANY

'Football is a game with 22 people and in the end the Germans always win.' So said Gary Lineker, displaying a rare footballer's gift for Wildean bon mots. Lineker has painful personal experience of the Germans' uncanny knack of playing well in major tournaments (don't we all), but how will the 2006 version fare on home soil? We've looked into the future and can reveal all…

GERMANY, Group A

9 June vs COSTA RICA (5pm*, Munich)

14 June vs POLAND (8pm, Dortmund)

20 June vs ECUADOR (3pm, Berlin)

*all times BST

World Ranking 22 (I admit I didn't realise the Germans were ranked quite so low these days)

How they qualified
As hosts they didn't have to. Which is nice.

World Cup history
Three-time winners as West Germany, in 1954, 1974 and 1990, the swines. Yet to win it since unification though.

Star man
If Michael Ballack (pictured) hadn't been suspended for the 2002 final against Brazil, the outcome might have been very different. He is the only German who would currently stand a chance of making a World XI. The Chelsea-bound midfielder has all the tools (as Big Ron might say) required of the modern footballer: great engine, decent tackler, good in the air, makes dangerous runs into the box, scores regularly. He's also blessed with self-confidence that would make Craig Bellamy blush. A class act.

Strengths
Home advantage.
Easy group should give them time to get going and get the German nation behind them.
Past masters at punching above their weight in major tournaments.
More attack-minded than in recent years.

Weaknesses
A poor start against Costa Rica and their fans will be quick to write them off.
Lehmann/Kahn soap opera almost certain to have another (detrimental) chapter.
Defence looked shaky recently.

Did you know?
Bavarians get four public holidays more than the people of Berlin. Fancy that!

Odds 8-1 (Blue Square)

Verdict
Should top an easy group - then they'll face the runners-up in England's group, which could easily be England. Potential semi-finallists but surely don't have the quality to reach the final again (although I thought that in 2002 and look what happened then…). Oh, dear sweet Jesus, I don't care how they do as long as a) they don't win the whole thing and b) they don't knock us out on penalties. Amen.

Team Guide: ECUADOR

The second in our in-depth profiles of the 32 countries participating in the World Cup.  WaatB? readers, please give a warm welcome to Ecuador.

ECUADOR, Group A

10 June vs POLAND (8pm*, Gelsenkirchen)

15 June vs COSTA RICA (2pm, Hamburg)

20 June vs GERMANY (3pm, Berlin)

*all times BST

World Ranking 38

How they qualified

It could have been called a shock if they had not qualified against the odds four years ago too.  Ecuador pipped Paraguay to third spot in the Conmebol qualification table ahead of such football luminaries as Uruguay, neighbours Colombia and Chile. La Tri recorded home wins against both Brazil and Argentina on their way to qualification.

World Cup history

Japan and Korea 2002 was Ecuador's World Cup debut.  They were unable to progress beyond a group containing Italy and Mexico, but did beat Croatia in their final match.

Star man

Although he never lived up to his £3.5 million transfer fee during his time at Southampton (in fact he would have looked expensive on a Bosman), Agustin Delgado (pictured) is the star of the Ecuador team.  He is the country's all-time leading goalscorer with 29 goals in 67 matches.  The World Cup will be Delgado's international swansong.  Delgado is currently playing for Barcelona (no, not the Catalan giants but their Ecuadorian namesakes), although he was suspended by the club before Christmas along with nine other players for their partying antics.

Strengths

A core of quality players including Delgado, Ulises de la Cruz and Ivan Hurtado. A track record of upsetting the odds and winning against more illustrious opposition.

Weaknesses

Delgado's dodgy back coupled with a lack a firepower in his absence. Traditionally under-perform in Europe.

Did you know?

The Ecudorian Government and FA are hoping to use the World Cup to increase tourism to the country and have arranged a promotional tour of Germany to tie-in with the World Cup.

Odds 250-1 (Blue Square)

Verdict

Expect a battle with Costa Rica for third spot in the group and Pan-American bragging rights.  But if Germany still need a result going into their final group game against Ecuador, it could get very interesting.  La Tri love taking a giant down a peg or two.

Rob Parker

Team Guide: COSTA RICA

With less than two months to go before the World Cup's opening match (aargh, I have nothing to wear!), it's time for WaatB? to look at each team in depth. We'll start, logically enough, with profiles of the teams in Group A, otherwise known as The Group That Keeps on Giving. First out of the hat is Costa Rica, who play hosts Germany in the tournament's opening match, on 9 June…

COSTA RICA, Group A

Fixtures
9 June vs GERMANY (5pm*, Munich)
15 June vs ECUADOR (2pm, Hamburg)
20 June vs POLAND (3pm, Hanover)
* all times BST

World ranking 25

How they qualified
Los Ticos, as Costa Rica are nicknamed, finished third in its CONCACAF group. It looked like they wouldn't make it until former manager Alexandre Guimaraes was reappointed and turned the team's fortunes around.

World Cup history
Just two previous appearances in the finals. Reached the second round in 1990 after victories against Scotland and Sweden; didn't escape the group stages in 2002 though.

Star man
Paolo Wanchope (pictured) is back playing in his homeland after lighting up the Premiership for several seasons at Derby County, Man City and West Ham. He's unpredictable, a bit of a maverick, prodigiously gifted etc etc. As many a football commentator likes to say about PW, even he doesn't know what he's going to do next. Wanchope is Costa Rica's all-time top scorer, with 43 goals in 67 games.

Strengths
Wanchope is a proven match-winner and he's still only 29.
In a relatively weak group.
Face alpha males Germany in WC's opening match, traditionally the prime time for a shock result.

Weaknesses
Not enough world-class players, particularly in defence.
Don't play tough European opposition often enough.

Did you know? The orchid is the national flower of Costa Rica. Hmm, no I didn't.

Odds 350/1 (Blue Square)

Verdict Germany will definitely qualify (famous last words) and I strongly fancy Poland (neighbours to Germany and they'll have a lot of local support) to go through as well. Which leaves Costa Rica on an early flight home, having finished bottom of Group A, behind Ecuador too. Oh well, there's always 2010.

No Kahn do

Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann has at last chosen his No1 goalkeeper: and the winner is… Jens Lehmann. Arch rival Oliver Kahn, the 2002 World Cup's most valuable player, is less than chuffed, but you have to admit that Lehmann has been in fine form for Arsenal. Kahn said: 'I will consider my future with the national team over the next few weeks and announce my decision at an appropriate date.' Oooh, get her.

Achtung! Bookies fear Germany

I've noticed that the bookies, sheep that they are, have sneakily shortened Germany's odds to win the whole shebang. They obviously fear the home-advantage factor, not to mention the Germans' uncanny knack of peaking in World Cup years. Both Ladbrokes and Coral have Germany at a risibly short 7-1. I'm sure they were about 16-1 just a couple of months ago. The German's 4-1 defeat of the USA in a recent friendly has clearly got the bookies running scared.