Friday, June 09, 2006

Poland Vs. Ecuador

Group A
Gelsenkirchen
Friday, 9 June
Team facts - Poland
Poland, who are yet to better their third placed finishes in 1974 qnd 1982, are participating in their seventh World Cup. They failed to progress from the group stage in 2002. They finished last in the first group stage, losing to host South Korea and Portugal before recording a 3-1 victory against the United States.
Poland have not scored in their opening match at the last four World Cups they have qualified for. The last time Poland netted in their initial fixture was at the 1974 World Cup when they beat Argentina 3-2. In qualifying, Poland scored 27 goals in 10 matches, an average of 2.27 goals per match. Only Sweden, Czech Republic and Portugal scored more goals per match in Uefa 2006 World Cup qualifying.
Team facts - Ecuador
Ecuador made their World Cup debut in 2002 when they finished last in their Group G. They lost to Italy (2-0) and Mexico (2-1) before recording their first World Cup win against Croatia (1-0). This is their second participation in the finals.
Ecuador were unbeaten at home in their World Cup qualifying campaign, playing at high altitude. Ecuador's only away win came also at high altitude in Bolivia. They have not recorded a victory since 25 January 2006 when defeating Honduras 1-0 at home.

Player facts - Poland
Four players in the current Poland squad also played at the 2002 World Cup. They are defenders Michal Zewlakow and Jacek Bak, midfielder Jacek Krzynowek and forward Maciej Zurawski.
Ebi Smolarek will follow in his father's footsteps when he makes his World Cup debut for Poland. Father Wlodzimierz represented Poland at the 1982 and 1986 World Cup.
Player facts - Ecuador
Eight players in the current Ecuador squad also played at the 2002 World Cup. Six of them played in all three previous World Cup matches for Ecuador: Marlon Ayovi, Ivan Hurtado, Ulises de la Cruz, Agustin Delgado, Edison Mendez and Carlos Tenorio.
Delgado and Mendez are the only Ecuador players to have scored in a World Cup match. Indeed on the day this match is staged, it will be exactly four years since Delgado scored Ecuador's very first World Cup goal on 9 June 2002. Delgado is also Ecuador's all-time top scorer with 29 goals in 68 matches.

Miscellaneous Info
Poland's National Team coach Pawel Janas played in all seven matches for Poland at the 1982 World Cup third place finish.
Ecuador are coached by Colombian Luis Fernando Suarez. Of the 32 teams present in Germany, 15 are coached by a foreign manager.
Posted by Samvit :: 6:33 AM :: 0 comments

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