Ecuador convinced they can hit goal-seam

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

BAD KISSINGEN, Germany, June 8 (Reuters) Ecuador will score at least five times in the opening round, assistant coach Armando Osma predicted ahead of tomorrow's opener against Poland.

Ecuador has had a patchy series of results since qualifying third in the South American group, scoring just three times in five matches and conceding five, including two in a 2-1 loss to the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia.

''Our biggest problem has been finishing,'' Osma told a news conference before training yesterday, adding that when their new coaching team took over Ecuador were scoring 1.1 goals per match. It had improved to 1.7 by the end of qualifying.

''I am convinced that we are going to score at least five goals in the first round,'' he said.

Ecuador scored 28 goals in their 18 qualifying matches, including a 5-2 home defeat of Paraguay, the fourth South American side to reach the finals.

''We are aware that you need goals to reach the next round. I don't think, though, that we will be scoring five against each team,'' he continued, adding that the team faced three very competitive matches.

Ecuador begin against Poland on Friday, face Costa Rica next Wednesday and hosts Germany, the Group A favourites, on June 20.

DIRECT STYLE Osma felt that most teams would begin their campaigns cautiously.

Poland, he said, was a team with a direct style that could create a goal-scoring chance with just three to four passes.

That could leave room for Ecuador to counter.

After the return from a calf injury of striker Carlos Tenorio, Ecuador now had a full squad from which to choose.

''We are physically ready. We need now to work on being mentally prepared,'' he said.

REUTERS AY RK0955

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