Gut getan (The games of 6.9.2006)

Germany vs. Costa Rica

Ah, the opener.

Like a fine Cuban cigar, perhaps not quite as good as you might expect and, in some countries, illegal. The Germans will take the field as a home team who could make a run all the way to the final. The Ticos from Costa Rica shouldn't be underestimated and their attack minded style should create some occasional problems for the German side, but the Germans have too many weapons and they will be playing in front of a football mad home crowd in Munich. The Germans will have problems in this WC, just not enough here to lose the game. The Ticos have a decent chance to make the knock-out round but their efforts in the opener won't get them any points in Group A. The Germans walk away with a 2-0 win.

Poland vs. Ecuador

My general rule of thumb if a game is too hard to call is to give it to the country that I've visited. So go Poland. Seriously, this one should prove to be a better game than the opener, but Poland should have the power to overcome Ecuador in this one. Let's put it this way...Poland is a 5/10 on www.hotornot.com and Ecuador is a blind date. Sure, you could get someone who looks like Jessica Hahn but you're probably more likely to end up with that guy who won Joe Millionaire. Ecuador could win this one 2-1 but they won't. Poland wins 2-0