After an exciting start to the tournament with Germany’s victory over Costa Rica by 4 goals to 2, the stage was set for a classic meeting between European and South American teams.
Poland qualified as the second best runner-up in the European group formed by England, while Ecuador qualified as the third team from South America after Brazil and Argentina. Although it may sound impressive, critics believe it’s all down to the high-altitude home games in the capital Quito.
Going to the world cup, both teams have mixed results in the friendly matches, but the bookmakers rated Poland as heavy favourites, as they performed incredibly well in qualifying against England and, in second place, the players from Ecuador are feeling the effect of the cold German weather.
The match started as expected Poland started the match in a great way and made some early inroads into the Ecuadorian defence. Poland had a better world cup pedigree than Ecuador as they finished third twice, while the Ecuadorians could only win one match in their history.
As the game began to settle into a pattern after 20 minutes, the Ecuadorian team hit Poland at half-time. In the 24th minute of the match, Tenorio knocked the ball past goalkeeper Boruc after a super-quick headed pass from Ecuador’s all-time top scorer, Delgado.
Ecuador 1 – 0 Poland
The goal was a blues bullet for Poland, who put all the pressure on in the first 20 minutes and have two superb saves from goalkeeper Boruc to prove their efforts.
The team went into the break with the same score as Poland promises a lot from both teams.
In the second half, Ecuador prevailed and Ivan Kaveides started a great play that culminated in a touch from Delgado after his superb break.
Ecuador 2 – 0 Poland
Poland increased the tempo of the game in the second half, but found the Ecuadorian fours in excellent form, obstructing and anticipating every ball coming down the flanks.
In the last ten minutes, even the wood came to the rescue of the Ecuadorian defense when the ball hit the posts twice in the final minutes.
When the match ended, we had one of the biggest upsets so far in the World Cup. Germany’s biggest neighbors feel humbled and predict bright signs for Ecuadorian soccer.
Ecuador will play Costa Rica next, while Poland will take on the German host. It will be another titanic struggle between the bitter neighbors.
Final Score Ecuador 2 – 0 Poland