Germany/Costa Rica 
My Pick: Germany
Costa Rica went down 4 - 0 to Ukraine in their last friendly and that too a Ukraine without Andriy Shevchenko. So all the statistics appear to point to a comfortable German win but the WC is famous for surprises and I think the Central Americans will be keen to prove that they are not here to fill the numbers.
Germany
A team which always appears to conjure something magical when it comes to the World cup despite their indifferent form before it, the Germans will be looking forward to
winning their 2nd WC on home soil. Although not many Germans believe their side can make it this time, one can never underestimate this side. Their run-up to the finals has
not been the most pleasant with talismanic midfielder Michael Ballack accusing Klinsmann of experimenting too much.
German squad: Germany's charismatic young manager Jurgen Klinsmann created quite a flutter when he omitted cultured Stuttgart striker Kevin Kuranyi and Fabian Ernst from his World Cup Squad. Instead an unheralded midfielder David Odonkor, and veterans Jens Nowotny and Oliver Neuville made the cut. Also, the selection of "Mad" Jens Lehmann over 2002 WC Golden Ball winner Oliver Kahn as the No.1 custodian has raised quite a few eyebrows. Bremen marksman Klose and the sensational Lucas Podolski will most likely get the nod to start up front, with young strikers Mike Hanke and Gerald Asamoah to be used as impact players.
Injuries/Suspensions: German talisman Michael Ballack is set to miss the opening game with a calf strain. The prolific midfielder who has recently signed for Premiership Champions Chelsea trained just 30 minutes on Wednesday and his absence would leave a huge void in the centre of the midfield. Bremen midfielder Tim Borowski looks set to replace Ballack
Goal Scorers: With Ballack out, Klose and Podolski look the best bet to score for Germany. Munich medio, Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has had an outstanding season in the Bundesliga, has a penchant for long-range shots and one should not be surprised if he manages to score from the edge of the box.
Costa Rica
By looking at the FIFA rankings, one may be tempted to think that the match may actually be quite a even game and more so with the absence of Ballack. But Costa Rica was
not at all impressive away from home during the qualification and the Los Ticos have come to Germany solely on the basis of their home form. They are as well known for
their inconsistency as well their flair, which actually makes them quite an interesting team to watch.
Injuries/Suspensions: No blatant injury worries for CRC. Ex Man City and West Ham striker Paulo Wanchope, still a very key figure is likely to start on the bench with Saborio likely to be preferred over the Costa Rican star, unless the coach looks for experience. Wanchope being the possible sub or starter as said above for Saborio. Cristian Balanos might come on as a supersub (Right Winger) in place of Azofeifa to create something.
