World Cup 20/06/06

The Germans dominated the match against Ecuador, who showed up but lost their concentration in the first few minutes. The Ecuadoreans seemed satisfied to coast into the second round, which would happen regardless of the outcome of this game. The Germans didn’t have to strain themselves to win by a considerable margin. And that third German goal by Podolski was a lovely one.

Costa Rica vs Poland was a game of recouping pride. Poland wanted it more.

Paraguay vs Trinidad & Tobago was another good match. The Soca Warriors played a good game, especially in the second half, but a late goal by Cuevas gave Paraguay the win.

I knew that England was going to come out guns blazing against Sweden because they didn’t want to face Germany in the next round. The first English goal by Cole was lovely, reminiscent of the kind Beckham used to net. Watching Owen crumble down with that knee injury in the second minute of play made me think about JD and how much pain he has been in since injuring his knee onstage in Saskatoon. Owen ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and is out of the competition. The English defence seemed to struggle in the second half. I guess they didn’t get the “we band of brothers” speech in the locker room. The last few minutes of the match were nail-biting for me.