Host nation Germany will be feeling confident of progressing to the knockout stages of next summer’s FIFA World Cup after drawing Costa Rica, Poland and Ecuador in Group A. Although they may not be quite the team they once were, with home advantage coach Jurgen Klinsmann will be expecting his star-studded squad to achieve results.

However, despite the optimistic prospects Klinsmann was taking nothing for granted. Speaking to the press following the draw he said, “Every game will be a huge challenge, but it could have been worse. Costa Rica were third behind the US and Mexico, and naturally Poland will also be hard, they played very well to qualify in England’s group. Ecuador will be tough, they beat Brazil in qualification.”

Poland boss Pawel Janas was more upbeat about his team’s chances, saying, “It will be difficult. It’s a pity we didn’t get the opening match (against Germany). We’ve improved quite a bit as a team and hope we can perform better than in the past.” This was probably a reference to their dismal performances at World Cup 2002.

Costa Rica and Ecuador will both prove troublesome opponents, however both teams could arguably be considered to be a level lower than both European outfits. Ecuador defender Ulises de la Cruz expressed cautious optimism at the prospect. “"It's difficult but not frightening, apart from the hosts. Against the other sides, we've got a chance, we just have to be in a competitive frame of mind."

Group A Fixtures

09 June - Germany v Costa Rica - Munich
09 June - Poland v Ecuador - Gelsenkirchen
14 June - Germany v Poland - Dortmund
15 June - Ecuador v Costa Rica - Hamburg
20 June - Ecuador v Germany - Berlin
20 June - Costa Rica v Poland - Hannover

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