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Ecuador tops Poland 2-0 in Group A

(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-10 10:07

But this proved to be another disappointing start to a World Cup for the Poles, who lost 2-0 to co-host South Korea in the opener in 2002 and were eliminated in the first round. With a matchup against host Germany-a team it has never beat in 14 tries-coming next Wednesday, Poland needs to sharpen up quickly or could become a first-round casualty again.

Poland controlled the play early, fueled by a partisan crowd chanting "Poland! Poland" throughout. But the Poles squandered a few promising free kick opportunities and weren't able to test Mora, playing with Ecuadorean flags painted on each cheek.

Ecuador silenced the earsplitting noise in the semi-enclosed stadium with a nifty goal in the 24th off a throw in.

Ulises de la Cruz threw the ball into the box from the left sideline and Delgado flicked it backward to the middle to an onrushing Tenorio, who headed it past Artur Boruc.

"Unfortunately, the first goal destroyed our tactical considerations right from the start," Poland coach Pawel Janas said. "This was really a blow to us. It was difficult to get out of that situation."

Delgado and Tenorio nearly hooked up again a few minutes later when Tenorio tiptoed along the end line before setting up Delgado in front of the goal. Delgado's shot, however, went high.

The Polish fans, who appeared to be on good behavior despite fears of hooliganism, began singing and cheering when their team walked out onto the field about two hours before the game.

With a much longer distance for their fans to travel, Ecuador didn't have nearly the support in Germany, with most of its fans in one corner of the stands. But President Alfredo Palacio gave everyone back home a half-day off Friday to watch the game.