The group stages begin today.
Germany :: Costa Rica
ESPN2 & Univision @ 11a (CDT); Repeat on ESPN Classic @ 4p & Telefutura @ 6:30p
German star Michael Ballack will probably not start, though he is saying he wants to. Still there is plenty of enthusiasm on the side of the host team. Costa Rica meanwhile have no wins behind them in recent friendlies to generate some confidence. Upsets often happen in opening games, but no one expects one here.
My guess: Germany 3 - 1 Costa Rica GER 4 - 2 CRC
Ecuador :: Poland
ESPN2 & Univision @ 2p; Repeat on ESPNCL @ 1a
Ecuador qualified by winning all their games at the insanely high altitude of their home country. Elsewhere, closer to the core of the earth, they have not been very good. Poland is often described as "solid." This game has "uninspiring" written all over it. Perhaps this will provide the opening day surprise with a goal fest.
My guess: Ecuador 0 - 1 Poland ECU 2 - 0 POL