Archive: Ecuador
Grading the Predictions: Group A
Back on April 14, I did a Group A predictions thread. Figured it would be fun to look back. Here's what I wrote: My picks, in order: 1. Germany. They're not that good, but it's a weak group. 2. Ecuador. I'll pick a slight upset here. Good enough to beat Costa Rica and at least tie Poland. They'd win the group if matches were played at 10,000 feet. 3. Poland. I guess this is who most people will tab as the group runner-up. 4. Costa Rica. I was just reminded that Costa Rica barely made it out of a two-legged prelim vs. Cuba (away-goal tie-breaker needed) in the first stage of CONCACAF qualifying. Of course, Steve Sampson was coaching the Ticos then....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 20, 2006; 12:50 PM ET | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Late Lunchtime Roundup
Hmmmm, where to start? I need to catch up ... - Germany F Michael Ballack sounds less than supremely confident. "Everyone must be aware that a surprise is possible with this young team - but also an early exit," Ballack said in SportBild magazine. - Australia, Sweden and Ecuador choose their teams. - Two players getting teased with "Hey, you still might make the team" talk: Holland MF Edgar Davids and England D Ledley King. - Reported in a comment yesterday -- Italy F Christian Vieri is out. Is it possible his last touch in a World Cup match was putting an exceedingly easy chance over the bar vs. South Korea? Or maybe I'm remembering it wrong....
By Jon DeNunzio | May 10, 2006; 01:45 PM ET | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
Who Do You Like in Group A?
As I said, kind of a slow news day ... so, let's start the predictions. What order do you see the teams in Group A finishing? Some study guides: - Group A analysis from The Post's Steve Goff (written the day of the draw) - Capsule previews of the teams by the BBC: Costa Rica Ecuador Germany Poland All four by The Post. My picks, in order: 1. Germany. They're not that good, but it's a weak group. 2. Ecuador. I'll pick a slight upset here. Good enough to beat Costa Rica and at least tie Poland. They'd win the group if matches were played at 10,000 feet. 3. Poland. I guess this is who most people will tab as the group runner-up. 4. Costa Rica. I was just reminded that Costa Rica barely made it out of a two-legged prelim vs. Cuba (away-goal tie-breaker needed) in the first stage...
By Jon DeNunzio | April 14, 2006; 12:50 PM ET | Comments (28) | TrackBack (0)
