As a follow up to the Germany – Costa Rica match, Ecuador, which plays it’s home matches at over 9,000 feet above see level, and struggles away from home, winning only one point in the South American qualifying took on Poland, which only had to travel a few hundred miles, and had the home field advantage. The first 20 minutes of the match was slow, plodding soccer. I felt like Eric Cantona was going to run out on the field and judo kick someone. Either everyone was scared to death or disinterested. Once Ecuador struck in the 24th minute, the match was all but over. Poland looked slow and non-threatening at all. A team that was a near lock to make it out of the group now looks like they will have to beat Germany to advance. Ecuador was not Brazil in disguise by any means, but they attacked, and finished their chances. It now looks like Germany and Ecuador are the favorites to advance, as Ecuador has Costa Rica next, and should go into the Germany game with 6 points in hand, while Poland and Costa Rica could be playing for pride.
ECU – TENORIO Carlos (24′)
ECU – DELGADO Agustin (80′)