Ecuador 2, Poland 0
So much for my projected Group A runner-up.
Ecuador was the fourth-place finisher in South American qualifying, but was considered suspect because all but one of its qualifying wins came in the rareified air of Quito (9,252 feet above sea level). Now, it looks as if the Ecuador-Costa Rica game at 9 a.m. Thursday (ESPN2) will decide who joins Germany in the knockout stage from Group A.
Well, at least I didn't have Poland reaching the quarters in my bracket.
Saturday's tripleheader presents at least two intriguing matchups: England-Paraguay, which will probably pack Keegan's Pub on Battleground, at 9 a.m. on WXLV-45; and Argentina-Ivory Coast at 3 p.m. on ESPN2.
Who knows if Wayne Rooney will be fit for England's opener, but Sven Goran Eriksson's side is already preparing for the knockout stage by practicing penalty kicks -- with a twist.
As for the Argentina-Ivory Coast matchup, this is a scary one for coach Jose Pekerman's side. The Ivory Coast looks like the most dangerous team to come out of Africa this year, and at least one African squad seems to pull an upset or two every four years. With EPL stalwarts Kolo Toure (Arsenal) and Didier Drogba (Chelsea) in the lineup, the Elephants -- yes, that's their nickname -- can't be taken lightly.
The least attractive of today's three games is the Group B matchup between Sweden and surprise qualifier Trinidad & Tobago at noon on WXLV-45.