Ecuador Vs Costa Rica - World Cup Special
Last updated : 15 June 2006 By Smallsy
Ecuador grabbed a place in round two for the first time with an impressive 3-0 win over a lackluster Costa Rica side. Sadly for the side who have now been defeated twice they face a long trip home along with Poland who because of their defeat last night have no chance of qualification.
After a surprise victory in game one over the Polish Ecuador knew that ninety minutes stood between them and a historic place in the second round of the greatest tournament on earth at only their second attempt.
Costa Rica led by Wanchope knew that only a win would realistically do to keep them in with a chance of qualifying for round two and started with three strikers in a bid to win a first point of Germany 2006. After an impressive and tenacious showing against the hosts on day one they started slowly and were immediately punished for poor play when Carlos Tenorio gave Ecuador an eighth minute lead.
Good work down the right hand side from Luis Valencia led to an inviting cross into the path of Tenorio who obliged to take a chance with a quality header past Porras in the Costa Rican goal.
Earlier a shot from Tenorio himself had been well saved and the keeper had come to the rescue of his side when needed as a strike from Delgado threatened to be the earliest goal of the tournament.
Castillo led a wave of attacks from a rampant Ecuador with a sweetly struck free kick but the latest effort from the South American's against their neighbours was off target. Costa Rica threatened sporadically through Wanchope though the former Derby man lacked support to really help his side score. Equally impressive at the back was Hurtado who sensed out danger and prevented it on several occasions before it happened.
When a chance from Costa Rica did find its way towards goal the keeper Solis was able to block the ball with a shot which was pretty much straight at him.
A substitution of intent before half time provided more of a spark for Costa Rica as they looked to get a vital hold on the game, but half time came at an inconvenient moment as they looked to mount a decent attack.
The second half began with Ecuador pressing the Costa Ricans and through ex Southampton striker Delgado they doubled their advantage early on to make the game safe.
After good work in the box from Tenorio, Delgado lashed a volley hard past the keeper who will be disappointed to have been defeated at his near post. Inside of the severity of the shot Porras's efforts we somewhat lacking as Ecuadorian fans began celebrating a famous victory.
The second goal sprung the Costa Ricans to life and Mora was called into action, palming away a shot from Solis before being helpless to save a shot which Saborio struck against the cross bar.
Substitute Kaviedes rounded off an excellent move and the game with a volley after a great cross by Edison Mendez and finally Ecuador realized that their finest moment in football had finally arrived.
