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World Cup Day 1 Preview: Friday's Matches
Host Country Kicks It All Off

Sponsored by: WagerWeb.com

By Rich Carlson
Inspin.com Contributing Writer

Germany vs. Costa Rica (Noon EST)

Sample WagerWeb.com odds: Germany 1-0: +500; Costa Rica 1-0: +1200
Germany 3-1: +800; Costa Rica 3-1: +10000
Germany 5-1: +2200; Costa Rica 5-1: +10000

Did You Know? Costa Rica has participated in every World Cup qualifying competition since 1958 and reached the final draw in 1990 and 2002. ... Germany sports one of the most successful teams in the history of the World Cup, having won the championship three times (1954 in Switzerland, 1974 in Germany and 1990 in Italy). Only Brazil has won more World Cups and played in more finals than Germany. ... The last time the World Cup was held in Germany, the host Germans won the championship, beating the Netherlands 3-1 in the finals in Munich.

Analysis: This year’s host nation opens the 2006 World Cup against Costa Rica, and the pressures of playing on its home soil will be heavy on Juergen Klinsmann’s squad. Look for Germany to apply the pressure on Luis Martin, Jervis Drummond and the rest of the Costa Rican defense from the start, as it will try to gain the early momentum and get the hometown fans enthused. If Costa Rica can survive the early German attacks and can take the crowd out of the game, anything can happen. Germany should be worried about not having team captain Michael Ballack because of his troublesome calf injury, which could disrupt its midfield presence.

Prediction: Germany overcomes its nerves and the loss of Ballack wins a match that is closer than expected: Germany 2, Costa Rica 1

Poland vs. Ecuador (3 p.m.)

Sample WagerWeb.com odds: Poland 1-0: +450; Ecuador 1-0: +700
Poland 3-1: +1200 Ecuador 3-1: +4000
Poland 5-1: +10000 Ecuador 5-1: +10000

Did You Know? Poland has participated six times in World Cup finals, most recently in 2002. Its best finish is third, which it achieved in 1974 (Germany) and 1982 (Spain). ... Ecuador participated in its first World Cup final tournament in 2002 (Korea/Japan), where it finished tied for third in its group and failed to advance. ... Before 1970, Ecuador never participated in an international friendly match outside of South America.

Analysis: These two teams faced each other on Nov. 13, 2005, with Poland emerging victorious 3-0. Given each team’s current form, a similar result should be in store. Poland finished strong in its World Cup qualifying matches, finishing a close second in European Zone Group 6. Since qualifying for the tournament, Ecuador has been shaky, losing friendly matches to Japan, the Netherlands and Poland. Ecuador striker Carlos Tenorio has fully recovered from a calf strain, and his presence will strengthen Ecuador’s attack. Poland is a big, physical squad that will have a size advantage and should use that advantage to its benefit.

Prediction: Poland gives notice that it is primed to advance past the knockout stage: Poland 3, Ecuador 1

Tournament News & Notes

• Paraguay forward Jose Cardozo could miss the Cup after suffering a muscle tear in his left leg. Cardozo suffered the injury May 27 in a friendly with Denmark.
• Tim Borowski or Sebastian Kehl are thought to be the likely replacements Friday for injured German captain Michael Ballack.
• Portuguese players Nuno Gomes and Luis Boa Morte have fully recovered from their injuries and are ready to play in Portugal’s opening match against Angola on Sunday.
• England star Wayne Rooney has been OK'd to play in the Cup after breaking his foot April 29. It is unlikely, however, he will play in the team's opener