[Will]

But it doesn't change much

Well if Poland finish 3^rd place in their group due to GD it probably would change a lot.

Ecuador did very well then, considering...

It wasn't actually Ecuador that won the match, but Poland that didn't make anything to win it (as Borek pointed out).

I did only watch the last part of the match (so I don't know as much as you about their overall performance), but I was impressed with Ecuador's defence and how they managed to get the ball off Poland, even though that may have been due to Poland's sloppiness, they did well to take advantage of it especially considering  the points you brought up about Ecuador's lack of international experience etc.
I hope I don't sound bitter or anything, but I just don't think you should take any credit away from Ecuador because Poland underperformed . Maybe  if Poland performed better then so would've Ecuador...

[pantone159]

Does anybody know the exact tiebreakers for teams that tie on points in group play?
I looked around the FIFA site but couldn't find this.

[Albert]

Check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_FIFA_World_Cup#Tiebreaking_criteria

[pantone159]

That's it, thanks!

[Albert]

Tonight Italy make their debut. Let's see whether the Calciopoli scandal will produce a negative effect or not.

[pantone159]

They can't do worse than the USA did.  Now the USA *MUST* beat Italy to have any hope of advancing.

[Borek]

They can't do worse than the USA did.  Now the USA *MUST* beat Italy to have any hope of advancing.

Just like we have to beat Germany. Welcome to the club

[Alberto_Kravina]

Now the USA *MUST* beat Italy to have any hope of advancing.

Good luck....

[pantone159]

BTW, the tiebreakers are:

From the FIFA WC 2006 Regulations Book (http://eur.i1.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/i/eu/fifa/regen.pdf)

If teams are even on points at the end of group play, the tied teams will be ranked as follows:

   1. Goal difference in all group matches
   2. Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches
   3. Greater number of points obtained in matches between the tied teams
   4. Goal difference in matches between the tied teams
   5. Greatest number of goals scored in matches between the tied teams
   6. Drawing of lots (last resort)

Interestingly, at the time you posted the link, Albert, the Wikipedia page was wrong.  (It omitted step 5).  It's fixed now though.

[Dude]

Based upon the way the US played the Czech R, I expect a 2-0 loss to Italy and probably a loss or a tie against Ghana.  That is, unless something drastically different happens.  Maybe it was just jitters.  We'll see Saturday.

[cuongt]

LOL. AUSTRALIA is in the scond round it was like soooooooooooooooooooooooo crazy here in aus. if any1 saw the match do u reckon the camera man kept aiming at that crotian chick too much. it was so suss

[Donaldson Tan]

ENGLAND ENGLAND ENGLAND ENGLAND ENGLAND ENGLAND

[pantone159]

if any1 saw the match do u reckon the camera man kept aiming at that crotian chick too much.

Yeah, I agree.  BTW - Did a Croatian player really end up with 3 yellow cards??

The Italy-Australia game ought to have interest with the readers on this board

[Alberto_Kravina]

BTW - Did a Croatian player really end up with 3 yellow cards??

Yeah - it was a pretty funny match. The player (Simonic) wanted to go out after the 2nd yellow card, bu soon he recognized that he didn't get sent off and continued to play

The Italy-Australia game ought to have interest with the readers on this board Smiley

Yes...It won't be easy for Italy, I think

[Donaldson Tan]

He got the 3 Yellow Cards. The ITV presenter commented this will be the last time the English Referee will be making his debut on the World Cup. LOL.