World Cup 2006

2006 WORLD CUP IN GERMANY | ECUADOR vs POLAND

ECUADOR SUPERIOR IN 2-0 WIN WITH POLAND

Friday June 9, 2006 | 1st Round
Poland hit the woodwork twice, while Ecuador hit the back of the net twice, and that's what counts.

A listless Poland fell 0-2 to a supposedly inferior Ecuadoran team according to Fifa's farfetched rankings system, which as of date laughably ranks teams like United States ahead of Argentina, England and Italy.

Ecuador were the much livelier team, playing with flair and a spring in their step reminiscent of Brazil, against these hapless Poles.

It's not that Poland didn't have their chances - they did - but poor finishing passes and a lack of cohesion on offense were their undoing.

Ecuador scored a goal in each of the halves.

The first goal in the 23rd minute was sensational.

A throw in near the Polish end line was sweetly head flicked backwards by Agustin Delgado to the oncoming target of Carlos Tenorio, who headed home.

Poland were lucky not to be down by one or two more goals at the interval, especially in the 28th minute when Delgado ballooned a short range shot in front of goal that seemed harder to miss than make.

Delgado later redeemed the miss by scoring the South Americans' second goal 10 minutes from time.

The defeat effectively eliminates Poland from the World Cup.
Consider that Poland plays Germany in their next match, where a loss is almost assured.

Then even with a win against Costa Rica, it leaves the Poles with only 3 points - not enough to advance.

Poland coach Pawel Janas should check himself into a clinic if against Germany he does not start striker Ireneusz Jelen.

Jelen, just as in friendlies leading up to the World Cup, again seemed to be the only offensive spark in a disoriented Polish squad.

Substitute Jelen entered the match in the 68th minute and provided instant havoc on the right wing, including a screamer off the near post.

Poland keep their streak alive of going scoreless in opening World Cup matches, now at five in a row.


WORLD CUP 2006 GERMANY
WORLD CUP 2006 GERMANY
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