By Ron Wall

Berlin, June 16 (DPA) England, Ecuador and Germany all booked their places in the knock-out stages of the World Cup, while Sweden looked set to join them after a last-gasp win over Paraguay.

Ecuador's historic first-ever place in the knock-out stages came by beating Costa Rica 3-0 Thursday - a result which also meant Germany qualified from the same Group A after Wednesday's win over Poland.

Both teams have an unassailable six points after two matches, with Poland and Costa Rica on none. The result set up a Germany-Ecuador decider in Berlin on June 20 to establish who will top the group.

Ecuador will need only a draw to win the group but Germany will be keen to win to finish top and avoid England in the second round.

England only need draw with Sweden in their last group game to go through as Group B winners.

"Ecuador were impressive in both their outings," German coach Juergen Klinsmann said of the South Americans' 2-0 win over Poland and 3-0 win over Costa Rica.

"We'll be putting in some intensive preparation in the next few days to ensure we finish top of the group." Ecuador coach Luis Suarez declared: "We want to make history - you'll see more of us."

Carlos Tenorio and Agustin Delgado struck in each half for Ecuador's victory over a lacklustre Costa Rica, and Ivan Jaime Kaviedes hit the third in injury time.

England booked their place in the knock-out phase when late goals by Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard broke a determined rearguard action by the battling team from Trinidad and Tobago.

The Caribbeans, who mostly ply their trade in the lower English leagues, had several times threatened to take the lead against the English superstars.

Crouch headed the breakthrough goal in the 83rd minute and Gerrard added the second in the 90th with a rasping shot from 25 metres.

England brought on Wayne Rooney for his first appearance in this World Cup to crack the team from a country which is more famous for its cricketing exploits than its football prowess.

There had been doubts whether Rooney was ready to play only 47 days after breaking his metatarsal. Though the Manchester United 20-year-old did not score or even have a shot on goal, his appearance did seem to inspire the English team, and it appeared that he finished the game without aggravating the injury.

"We've stuck at our task, we've worked hard and in the second half we've broke through," said England captain David Beckham. "It's uplifting. It's very positive."

World Cup action continues Friday with Argentina looking to qualify by beating Serbia and Montenegro while the Netherlands can join them from Group C if they beat Ivory Coast.

The day's final match sees Mexico poised to qualify from Group D by beating Angola.