GERMANY VS. ECUADOR.

Byline: -- Scott French

Kickoff: 7 a.m., Olympiastadion, Berlin.

TV: ESPN and Ch. 34.

In brief: The battle for the top spot in Group A offers a big reward: Avoid England in the second round.

Germany update: The Nationalmannschaft must win to claim the group title, and do so against a side that hasn't surrendered a goal.

Central defender Christoph Metzelder suffered a knee injury in training Wednesday and could sit this one out. Miroslav Klose is the key finisher, but strike partner Lukas Podolski might head to the bench. Klose denied a reported rift between the Polish-born strikers.

Ecuador update: The Tri is one of the big first-round surprises, scoring timely goals and playing solid defense. They have five players with yellow cards, including defensive leader Ivan Hurtado, and haven't played a foe the caliber of Germany. A 0-0draw would suit Ecuador, so a conservative game plan is likely in order.

COSTA RICA vs. POLAND

Kickoff: 7 a.m., Niedersachsen Stadion, Hannover.

TV: ESPN2 and Ch. 46.

In brief: Only pride is on the line in Group A finale.

Costa Rica update: This is it for Paulo Wanchope, Costa Rica's greatest goalscorer, who will retire from the national team when this afternoon's action concludes. He's scored 45 goals in 71appearances, netting both of the Ticos' strikes in the 4-2 loss to Germany that opened the tournament.

Poland update: The World Cup's most disappointing team also heads home after this and is looking not only for a victory, but also its first goal. Shutout losses to Ecuador and Germany have critics questioning coach Pawel Janas' decision to drop Tomasz Frankowski, who scored seven goals during qualifying, for the tournament.

ENGLAND vs. SWEDEN

Kickoff: Noon, Rhein-Energie-Stadion, Cologne.

TV: ESPN and Ch. 34.

In brief: English seek first win over Swedes in 38 years, but a tie will secure Group B crown.

England update: Two victories without impressing have put the English -- coached by a Swede, Sven-Goran Eriksson -- on the verge of the Group B title, but they'll likely find Sweden a far stiffer challenge than Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago. Wayne Rooney is slated to start upfront, which might help Michael Owen break out of his slump.

Sweden update: The Swedes haven't lost to England since 1968, a span of 11games -- four of them Sweden wins -- and a draw will secure the expected second-round berth. They've posted shutouts in both games, and defense again will be pivotal, especially with top forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic sidelined with a slightly torn groin muscle.

PARAGUAY vs. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Kickoff: Noon, Fritz-Walter-Stadion, Kaiserslautern.

TV: ESPN2 and Ch. 46.

In brief: Stunning T&T could reach the second round, with help from English.

Paraguay update: Two 1-0 losses have doomed the Albirroja, who need a goal to avoid a select group of teams -- ElSalvador (1970), Zaire (1974), Canada (1986), Greece (1994), China (2002), Saudi Arabia (2002) -- who lost three games without scoring. Captain Carlos Gamarra makes his final international appearance.

T&T update: The Soca Warriors bunkered down against the Swedes and English, but they must attack here to have any chance of reaching the round of 16. A victory is a must, England has to beat Sweden and T&T must make up a three-goal gap in differential.

New England Revolution defender Avery John returns from suspension to replace Cyd Gray, who has a partially torn upper-leg ligament.

CAPTION(S):

8 boxes

Box:

(1) GROUP A

(2) GROUP B

(3) GROUP C

(4) GROUP D

(5) GROUP E

(6) GROUP F

(7) GROUP G

(8) GROUP H