Germany Targeting Top Spot in Group A With Ecuador Win
June 20, 2006
Both Germany and Ecuador have already qualified for the last 16, after enjoying wins over Costa Rica and Poland, and their duel will decide who wins the group. A draw would see Ecuador finish top courtesy of their superior goal difference, so Germany coach Jürgen Klinsmann is set to go for the jugular. That means Germany captain Michael Ballack starting the match even though another yellow card would rule him out of the second round tie.
"We will take the Ecuador game seriously. We want to keep our rhythm going and Michael Ballack will play," Klinsmann revealed.
Defender Christoph Metzelder, expected to recover in time for the game after injuring his knee in training, and winger David Odonkor are also walking the suspension tightrope.
Ecuador to rest players with last 16 place guaranteed
In contrast Ecuador are set to rest some key players, with manager Luis Suarez claiming they are tired.
"I will change the entire team if they are not fit enough for this tough match against Germany, but I don't think that will be necessary," Suarez said. "The only thing I can be sure of is that the 11 men I field against Germany will be the best team I have. We want to beat Germany."
In truth, the significance of finishing first remains to be seen, with the winner scheduled to face the Group B victor, where England and Sweden are slugging it out for top spot later the same day.
As it stands Germany would play England and Ecuador would take on Sweden.
"I am not thinking of who we can meet in the last 16. You have to look forward, but there is no point in looking too far ahead," Klinsmann said. "We just want to concentrate on beating Ecuador and finishing top of the group so we can play in the bigger stadiums."
Germany will play in Munich's intimidating ground should they finish first, while Stuttgart will be the venue if they end up second.
Germany keen to avoid England until latter stages
While Klinsmann insists he does not care who the next opponent is, some of his players are keen to avoid a last 16 match-up against old foe England.
"We cannot pick who we want in the last 16. We have had big games against England in the past and we would rather play them later on," said defender Philipp Lahm.
But Ecuador are up first and Klinsmann admits he has been impressed by a team that have scored five goals and are yet to concede. "Ecuador are the third-best team in South America, behind Brazil and Argentina. I think they are showing that here," said the former Monaco striker.
"People said they could only win at altitude in Quito, but they have proved that is not the case."
It is Germany's first game in Berlin, and the hosts aim to put on a show in the capital.
"We want to give the 80,000 fans in Berlin a treat with a win over Ecuador," added Klinsmann.
They then hope to be back at the venue for the final on July 9.