World Cup Special - Day 1 - Poland Vs Ecuador
Last updated : 09 June 2006 By Smallsy
 | After a good set piece Ecuador find themselves in a great position. |
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With the hosts in impressive form earlier, the second game of World Cup 2006 Group A saw Poland take on Ecuador in Schalke's Gelsenkirchen stadium. Goals from Carlos Tenorio and Agustin Delgado gave the South American's a shock 2-0 win leaving Poland to ponder defeat and realizing that they must beat Germany in their next game if they have any hope of qualifying for the second round.
The game started at a fast pace with both sides seemingly going for broke in a bid to finish behind Germany. Poland controlled the early tempo with Celtic's Zurawski tormenting Villa's De La Cruz down the Polish right, however with no clear chances on goal it was left to Ecuador to strike the first blow.
A long throw flicked on by Delgado was enough to give a breaking Tenorio the chance to squeeze a header past Polish keeper Boric. Despite their presence defensively Poland were left sleeping and the leaping Ecuadorians profited from static defending.
Creator Delgado should have doubled the South American's lead after good down the Ecuador right; he leant back seven yards out and blasted the ball high into the stand. Poland created a chance of their own late in their first half when the goalkeeper flapped at a free kick but no Polish player was able to get a solid head on the ball and put it in the empty net.
Lucky to be just a single goal behind Poland presumably received a rocket from their manager at half time and came out fast in the second half.
Once more controlling the tempo however they failed to make any clear cut chances, not for the want of trying but good Ecuador defending prevented them from making any openings. Centre backs Espinoza and Captain Ivan Hurtado held firm despite obvious signs of tiring and their efforts spurred Ecuador to hold on despite increasing possession from the more fancied Poles.
Holding off more Polish pressure the Ecuadorians' broke with Kaviedes and Delgado, the former Palace striker committed the goalkeeper and squared for the former Southampton striker to double their advantage from close range.
Gutted by the counter attacked finish the Polish team threw everything they had forward and despite hitting the post and the cross bar could do little about the deficit. For Poland it was a case of not doing enough with the final ball whilst Ecuador despite sporadic periods of possession created better openings and took their chances well.
With second place seemingly wide open in Group A Ecuador have given themselves an excellent chance of progression with this morale boosting win, next up for them is Costa Rica who will be looking to boost their chances of qualification and once more open the door to the second round.