Posted on 06/14/2006 5:46:34 AM PDT by soccer_maniac
The first cycle of group play in the FIFA World Cup comes to a close on Wednesday with all four Group H teams in action, Spain taking on Ukraine at 8:55 a.m. ET (ESPN2) and Saudi Arabia facing Tunisia three hours later (also on ESPN2). Then Cup hosts Germany start the second series of matches in the groups when they face neighbors Poland in Dortmund.
Spain finally get a chance to get the ball rolling in Leipzig, facing a Ukraine team looking for a result in its first-ever World Cup match. But just because the Eastern Europeans are new on the world stage doesn't mean they don't have the talent to make an impact. In fact, they were the first team apart from the hosts to secure passage to the World Cup, topping a difficult Group 2 that also included Denmark, European champions Greece and a Turkey team that finished third in the World Cup four years ago.
Ukraine also boasts one of the most deadly strikers in the world in Andrei Shevchenko, a new arrival to London's Chelsea FC after a stunning career at AC Milan. However, "Sheva," as he is known, has been battling a knee injury and it remains to be seen if he will be in the starting 11.
Shevchenko isn't the only lethal striker that will be on the field; Spain has several of their own, as well, including Real Madrid legend Raul. Arsenal striker Jose Antonio Reyes is also a danger and could start, especially since Spain coach Luis Aragones often lines his side up in a 4-3-3 formation. Spain is looking to break their World Cup curse in Germany, having never advanced to the final in the competition.
(Excerpt) Read more at mlsnet.com ...
This game is clearly an all out battle.
Poland needs it desperately and Gemany wants it.
Jelen just drew another yellow card on the counter. Odonkor earns it.
That's not a German name either. As German as Podolski.
And now another yellow for Germany, Metzelder.
Time is running out, a tie is not enough.
Poland pays a through ball right down the middle.
Overdue. They need to do more of that.
Poles need to get some fresh legs in there for the stretch run. Time to go all out.
Red for Sobolewski (Poland)
Bad news for Poland. Second yellow for 7.
That might kill them. They have to now attempt to counter a man down.
Prescription for disaster.
Cholera!!!!! Sobolewski gets a red.
Now getting the 1 point looks much better.
Let's get the point and Go Costa Rica Go!!!!
Wow...this is turning into an all out German assault. Can't imagine they'll keep missing if they keep this up.
Hang in there Poland...look for the counter
Remember Westerplatte!!!!
Come on Boruc!!!! Save the day!!!
I am having to 'watch' it via yahoo gamecast. Why did Boruc get the yellow? Time wasting?
GERMANY HIT IT OFF THE BAR TWICE!!! WOW!
Germany hits the post TWICE!!!!!! God is definitely a Poland fan today.
Yikes!
Germany Goal!!!!!!!!!
Sister Faustina is doing her job today!!!!
Goal Germany !
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