Special: FIFA WORLD CUP GERMANY 2006>>>

German star striker Miroslav Klose scored twice in Costa Rica and Ecuador games respectively to top the World Cup scorers list so far.(photo: sina)

Despite either loss or tie, Ecuador and Sweden were runners-up of their groups and booked berths in the last 16.

Poland came from behind to beat Costa Rica 2-1 to finish third in Group A, and Paraguay upset Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 to be the third-placers of Group B.

In the last 16, hosts Germany will meet Sweden, and Ecuador face England.

In Berlin, German star striker Miroslav Klose scored his third and fourth goal at the 2006 World Cup, helping the hosts crash Ecuador 3-0 in their last Group A match.

Only four minutes into the game, Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger put the ball into the six yard box where German first division league top scorer Klose was on hand to side-foot the ball home.

Klose was on target again in the 44th minute when Ballack's sumptuous chip cut out two defenders and Klose - albeit clumsily -rounded Ecuadoran goalkeeper Cristian Mora and slotted home to double the advantage.

The Polish-born striker had scored twice in the opener to help Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2.

Now, Klose is topping the World Cup scorers list with four goals.

The Germans came to the field with more intention and determination as they fielded in all key players.

However, Ecuador preserved their strength for the knockout stage, keeping their two star strikers Agustin Delgado and Carlos Tenorio on the bench.

Delgado and Tenorio collected two goals respectively in their team's 2-0 win over Poland and 3-0 victory over Costa Rica.

German rising star striker Lukas Podolski got his first World Cup goal in the 57th minute when the young rushed into the box and tapped home the cross from Bernd Schneider on the right.

It was a great relief for the Polish-born forward who caused some comments for lack of goals.

In Hanover, thanks to a double from Boratosz Bosacki, Poland left the World Cup holding their heads high with a comeback 2-1 win over Costa Rica in a meaningless Group A match, as both sides had run out of chance of reaching the last 16 even before the third and last showdown in the round robin.

The 31-year-old defender headed in a corner from Jacek Krzynowek at 66 to improve the scoring on board for Poles, who lost both of their previous matches against Ecuador and Germany and were playing for pride in Tuesday's match.

His first goal was an equalizer in the first half after the Ticos opened the scoring first with Ronald Gomez's free-kick.

In Cologne, Sweden qualified for the World Cup knockout stage after they stormed back twice to hold England to a 2-2 draw in their final Group B tie.

England, who had never beaten Sweden over 38 years, were on the edge of kicking away the jinx when substitute Steve Gerrard muscled in a header in the 85th mintue to put them 2-1 ahead.

But Sweden veteran striker Henrik Larsson turned the table around five minutes later when a throw-in left England's defence in disarray and Larrson capitalized to tuck the ball past England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

In the 34th minute, the Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole volleyed in a spectacular goal to put England 1-0 ahead.

Wayne Rooney, who started for the first time in the World Cup, and midfielder Frank Lampard also rattled Sweden's defence with powerful long shots.

Only six minutes after the break, Sweden striker Marcus Allback headed in a corner kick to pull it level at 1-1.

In Kaiserslauten, Paraguay beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in their last World Cup Group B game as both sides ended their journey in FIFA's quadrennial event.

Trinidad and Tobago, the smallest nation among the 32 participating countries and regions, should have got through to the next stage if they snatch a victory and Sweden lost to England at the same time. But an own goal in the 25th minute dashed their hopes.

Nelson Valdez got a head on a Robreto Acuna free kick and Trinidad and Tobago defender Brent Sancho directed the ball into their own goal.

Second half substitute Nelson Cuevas sealed the win for Paraguay in the 86th minute, which was a little harsh on the Trinidadians, who have been excellent in the half.

Editor: Donald