The Hindu : Sport : Poland, Ecuador optimistic

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 09, 2006

Sport

Sport

Poland, Ecuador optimistic

Star striker Delgado is doubtful for the match with a knee injury

BARSINGHAUSEN: Poland and Ecuador are optimistic heading into their World Cup opener on Friday, and stressed the importance of a solid start to the tournament.

``The first game is the most important for every team, because when you start with three points it's like a password into the next round,'' Poland defender Michal Zewlakow said. ``The next game you don't play with pressure, with a knife at your throat.''

Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez also underlined the need to start with a win, but for a different reason: The other teams in the group — Germany and Costa Rica — are more dangerous.

Crucial

``The match against Poland will be crucial for us,'' the Colombian-born coach said, because ``the next two games will be much harder.''

The two teams' only meeting came last November on a waterlogged field in Barcelona. Poland won 3-0, giving the European team confidence ahead of Friday's match. But assistant coach Edward Klejndinst said not to read too much into that game.

Klejndinst praised the South Americans' technical skills, but insisted Poland had ``no reason to fear them.''

Onus on defence

Zewlakow called Poland's defensive play ``the key'' to the game. ``In attack, they have (Carlos) Tenorio and (Agustin) Delgado, and on the left side (Edison) Mendez. When on form, they can show a lot,'' he said. ``But there is no unstoppable player."

But Polish coach Pawel Janas played a more open game in a qualifying group in which it finished second to England .

The 4-4-2 formation used, however, made it one of Europe's top-scorers with 27 goals in qualifying.

Injury worries

Ecuador has a few nagging injuries ahead of the match, but no apparent other worries.

It remains unclear whether striker Delgado will play. Delgado, who scored five goals to help Ecuador qualify for the tournament, is doubtful for the match with a knee injury, although the team doctor said this week that he should be available.

Ivan Kaviedes is likely to replace Delgado if he is unfit to play. — AP

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail