I watched last night’s match between Germany and Poland in the hotel lobby, where they have set up a viewing area with green carpet (to make you feel like you’re on the field, I guess), lots of chairs, and a big TV. I got there right as the game started and there were already about 30 people there, all rooting for the home team, naturally. This game was one of the best I’ve seen in the tournament so far, with lots of action and some near misses at both ends. The atmosphere surrounding the match was also spectacular, with large contingents of boisterous fans from both of these neighboring countries in the stands.

After a fairly balanced first half, the Germans really took control in the second half, dominating posession and getting several good scoring chances. However, Poland’s keeper, Artur Boruc, made several spectacular saves and it was beginning to look like the game would end in a draw until Poland’s Radoslaw Sobolewski received a second yellow card in the 75th minute and was sent off. German substitue David Odonkor provided some energy, making several exciting runs and some good crosses, but still the home side had nothing to show for it despite hitting the crossbar twice in the 90th minute. The crowd watching the game was growing increasingly tense and frustrated as chance after chance went by with no goal. Finally another substitute, Oliver Neuville, scored on a great cross by Odonkor three minutes into injury time to give Germany the win. It touched off a huge celebration all across Germany, even in the lobby of the hotel!

With Germany now virtually assured of advancing to the next stage, optimism is growing among the fans that the team might be able to make a deep run in the tournament. It’s hard to argue–star midfielder Michael Ballack played very well in his first game back from injury, and Germany’s defense looked much better than in their opening game against Costa Rica.

Although I missed watching Spain crush the Ukraine 4-0, I saw most of the match between Saudi Arabia and Tunisia which ended in a 2-2 tie with some spectacular goals. I think this was one of the most exciting days of the tournament so far. Tonight’s action will have Ecuador against Costa Rica in a match that will go a long way in determining the second team to advance in Group A, along with England vs. Trinidad & Tobago (will Wayne Rooney see any time?) and Sweden vs. Paraguay.