So you're saying there's a chance."
Sorry I stole your post ;-)))
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 ...
Poland still winless against Die Mannschaft.
No each country selects their own "dream" team just like any national team in any sport.
BLOODY, BLOODY, BLOODY HELLLLL!!!!!!!!
At least they played a good match today.
Well, there was nothing to be ashamed about today. They were valiant in defeat, and they still have a slight chance to advance.
They showed no quit today. No shame today. Now it's Go Costa Rica Go!!!
With two losses you can stick a fork in Poland.
Too many other things would have to break perfectly for Poland to advance.
For one thing, Ecuador would have to lose twice and that's a lot to ask. I would expect them to at least draw Costa Rica.
I can only cry, that they woke up so late.
I think the match against Ecuador will stay in their nightmares for a long, long time.
Germany should beat Ecuador. And Costa Rica scored two on Germany, so I think they have a shot.
The key is if CRC wins tomorrow, Poland must win their final game by at least 2 goals. If they play with today's effort, there is still a chance for a great escape. But the odds are against them.
Ack, yellow card to the Yahoo headline writers.
*lol*
Would have made things more interesting with a three way tie.
I thought this would make Poland out. Maybe there are scenarios otherwise.
One thing's for sure - what looked like the stinker match in this group is now going to be pretty interesting....Go Costa Rica!!
The best player of the Game was definitely Lamm from German side and Polish goalie Boruc.
German team was better a deserved this victory, congrats for them and their fans.
"The pain from Spain falls mainly on Ukraine"
That deserves a red card.
Yeah! Go, go, as far as you can!!! :-)))
I think Boruc's performance today should shut up all the Dudek defenders.
Poor Poland. I was hoping your team would pull off at least a tie today.
:(
Well you still have a better chance than the US. It's all about Costa Rica now.
IMHO asking Poland to beat Germany in Dortmund was asking too much. Even a draw was against the odds.
The real tragedy was losing to Ecuador. Germany was always going to get through to the next round. That left only one other place, and losing to one of the other two contenders to move on was fatal.
That's what makes the World Cup so brutal -- one bad loss and you can be done in the group stage. USA has a similar problem.
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