England and Ecuador Advance

It took England over 80 minutes to score against Trinidad & Tobago. They netted 2-0 to secure advancement into the Knockout Stages. I can't say I'm very much impressed with one of the supposed favorites of the competition. It took them more than 170 minutes to score a goal of their own, and it was against a relatively hapless Trinidad & Tobago side.

Another advancing team was Ecuador. They crushed Costa Rica 3-0 and will play Germany to determine the winner of the Group. Because of goal differential, Germany needs to win the match to win the group. Ecuador will win it with a victory or a tie. Of course, Poland, and Costa Rica are mathematically eliminated from advancement.

If Sweden does not win in their match against Paraguay today, England will clinch victory in Group B. This means they would face the 2nd place team from Group A, which very well might e Germany. What a clash that would be. Their last competitive match was in qualifying for the 2002 World Cup.