Ecuador 3 - 0 Costa Rica

By Matt Jackson (WebWiseWords)

Ecuador's convincing three nil victory over Costa Rica puts them at the top of their group and assures them passage into the second round of the World Cup for the first time in two attempts. Having won the last game in the group stage of the World Cup four years ago this is their third victory in a row. A Superior goal difference means they only need a draw against the hosts to win the group.

Costa Rica went behind after just eight minutes when Tenorio scored the opening goal with this head but the half ended with an Ecuador display that suggested they had the game sewn up and were just waiting for the end of the match. Costa Rica looked a little brighter at kick off in the second half but it took less than ten minutes for Delgado to power a tight finish into the back of the net that the Costa Rican shot stopper, Porras, should have prevented.

Half way through the second period, the Ecuadorians really took advantage of their lead with some brilliant show boating, exhibition stuff. Cost Rica were unlucky not to get one back when a seemingly brilliantly placed lob by Saborio unluckily hit the crossbar in the 86th minute. Five minutes later, during injury time, and Ecuador pounced for their third in the shape of a brilliant Kaviedes goal.

Before the tournament started, little had been expected from either Ecuador or Costa Rica and while the Costa Rican national side lived up to their expectations, Ecuador have now won two out of two matches keeping clean sheets in both games and scoring a total of five goals. Tenorio and Delgado have racked up two goals apiece so far this tournament and they look good value for their surprise results.

The real test of the Ecuador side will be when they face the Germans. The winner of the group will have to play the runners up from Group B, still expected to be Sweden despite their shock first result and second place could be facing England.

Matt Jackson is copywriter and freelance writer for WebWiseWords. For more information visit their site at www.webwisewords.com or email info@webwisewords.com.