Germany meets Ecuador in a Group A encounter in Berlin at 4:00 PM German time (10:00 AM EST)
A game with huge implications for Germany. They need a win to top Group A and avoid a potential showdown with England. A draw is not going to do it.
Ecuador goes into today’s game without Tin Delgado, Carlos Tenorio, who are being rested. The Ecuadorians will be content with a draw and there is no point in risking their frontline players. On the other hand we will get to see Ivan Kaviedes and his mercurial talent.
Germany is going all out with Klose and Podolski up front. Klinsmann will have to figure out whether he wants to risk Ballack who already has a booking. Tim Borowski might have to do duty.
This will be an excellent test for the Ecuadorian defence against an organized attack going all out for a win. So far they have to deal with individual brilliance in Costa Rica’s Wanchope, and Poland’s Smolarek and Jelen.
Ecuador: Mora, De la Cruz, Espinoza, Ambrossi, Guagua, Valencia, Edwin Tenorio, Ayovi, Mendez, Borja, Kaviedes
Germany: Lehmann, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Huth, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Frings, Ballack, Schneider, Klose, Podolski