Group A & B

Germany - Played like a team that wants to keep the momentum going. The way Sweinsteiger and Lahm played throughout the first round summarises the attacking instincts of this team. They are peaking at the right time and Ballack is on the rise and he will surely start getting into his groove by the next match.

Ecuador - This team was written off even before it started its campaign as one which can play only in the high altitudes at home. But they have played their hearts out and with 5 of their regulars being rested/injured and hence rested, lost to Germany. Delgado and Valencia stand out and I have a feeling that they will progress further.

England - Owen injured. Rooney out of injury. Crouch...well I dont like him at all. So will have to see if Lampard, Gerrard, Cole and Beckham can provide all the thrust from mid-field to Rooney to pump in the goals. Somehow they seem to have lost the plot somewhere in between. Remember that in the match against Trinidad&Tobago if it was not for a highly acrobatic Terru goal-line save, the story could have been different.

Sweden - Another mighty team that had to bite the dust. Ibrahmovic has been completely out of form and Larsson had to take the bulk of the load. They maintained their unbeaten streak against England with a last minute goal.

Germany vs Sweden verdict Germany
I would like to see this side go further...well who wouldnt. They are playing some wonderful football

England vs Ecuador verdict Ecuador
I think Ecuador has the ammunition for this English side