Group A Predictions

Everybody is into it so why should I not indulge myself in giving predictions of the group stages of the World cup.

Group A:

Costa Rica
Ecuador
Germany
Poland

This group from the looks of it a very easy group to decide. Based on talent and experience, Poland and Germany have to go through.
Costa Rica with World ranking 26 had a good qualification round through the CONCACAF division. Costa Rica could be the surprise element from this group. Especially, considering the fact that Germany are under tremendous home pressure and have had many internal problems. There are still rumors of their key player Michael Ballack causing doubt among the media. Costa Rica face Germany in the opening game on June 9th. Could this be the repeat of the upset that occurred on 8^th June 1990 in Italy? That day was the opening game between defending champions Argentina and Cameroon, when the Lions with Roger Milla became a hero.

Germany have Michael Ballack and Bastien Schweinsteiger in their midfield to provide service to the forwards which consists of Klose and Podolski. Their problem is defence, which is very weak with a Jens Lehmann at Goal. Lehmann who had an excellent season with Arsenal in their CL run upto the final has been chosen over the veteran legend Olivier Kahn. Lehmann is a bit of a mystery. He can be spectacular and then make some very stupid errors.

Prediction: Germany followed by Costa Rica.