Ecuador tops Poland 2-0 in Group A at World Cup

Ecuador proved to be World Cup worthy far away from the comforts and high altitude of home.

Photo: Ecuador tops Poland 2-0 in Group A at World Cup

Agustin Delgado set up a first-half goal Friday and added his own in the 80th minute to quiet the boisterous pro-Poland crowd with a 2-0 victory in the teams' Group A opener.

Their credentials questioned because seven of their eight qualifying wins came more than 2,700 meters (9,000 feet) above sea level in Quito, Ecuador got off to strong start near sea level in its second World Cup.

Ecuador did a good job protecting the lead they got from Carlos Tenorio's goal in the 24th minute, with captain Ivan Hurtado and Neicer Reasco helping thwart the few chances the Poles got in the game.

Delgado then put the game away late. Edison Mendez slid a pass to Ivan Kaviedes, who beat an offside trap and fed Delgado alone in the front of the net for the easy score.

Starting the game with Maciej Zurawski as the lone striker, Poland didn't test goalkeeper Cristian Mora at all. Even the substitution of a second forward, Ireneusz Jelen, in the 68th minute didn't help the Poles, who didn't have a shot on goal until the 84th minute.

Earlier, Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 in the other Group A match, reports AP.

O.Ch.