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Ecuadorian coach eyeing for second phase at World Cup
16/6/2006 11:03

Luis Suarez, coach of the Ecuadorian World Cup team, expressed confidence that his team would play well Thursday afternoon against Costa Rica to enter the second stage of the tournament.

Speaking to FIFA worldcup.com, the Colombian said that he has expected a good show from his side, one which he hopes will bring respect to his adopted country.

"I want respect for Ecuador," says Suarez, "Today is a very important day. If we win we progress to the second phase for the first time ever and that has the people back in Ecuador and those with us out here very excited."

"I don't want Ecuador to be just another of those countries who took part, I want to achieve something," he added, "To reach the second phase is an achievement, if we achieve that then I hope the respect I want for this country comes with it."

Ecuador beat their first Group A rival Poland 2-0 on June 9, the opening day of the month-long World Cup tournament.

Host Germany overplayed Costa Rica 4-0 on the same day.



Xinhua News