No celebrations for Ecuador coach Suarez after win

HATTINGEN, Germany, June 10 (Reuters) With Ecuador on the brink of a famous World Cup victory over Poland, television cameras turned towards coach Luis Fernando Suarez with German commentators predicting wild celebration.

The man Ecuadorean journalists respectfully address as 'professor' was doing nothing of the sort, however. He has greater goals in mind.

''We haven't achieved anything yet... This is just one step towards qualification. We must not get overexcited,'' the down-to-earth Colombian said after his side's shock 2-0 victory over Poland in their Group A opener yesterday.

Ecuador took control after a nervous first 20 minutes, proving far more incisive in attack than Poland whose speculative crosses and long balls were ably dealt with by captain Ivan Hurtado and his fellow defenders.

Carlos Tenorio's 24th-minute header enabled them to settle and Agustin Delgado's breakaway second goal sealed the unexpected win 10 minutes from time.

Although Poland hit the woodwork twice late on there was nothing lucky about Ecuador's success.

Composed on the ball in all areas, they also looked hungrier, stronger and more competitive than their European opponents, traditionally a physically powerful side.

Poland coach Pawel Janas paid Ecuador the ultimate compliment when he said his side had been ''beaten up physically and mentally''.

Victory in their second match against Costa Rica in Hamburg on Thursday could see Poland through to the knockout round and a probable meeting with England or Sweden but Suarez knows better than to start planning for the last 16.

''We have five days to prepare for Costa Rica. It is a completely different game. Their style is different. They pass the ball well.

We have to pressure them in the midfield.'' Suarez has said he wants to show the world Ecuador have moved on since their World Cup debut four years ago when defeats by Italy and Mexico led to a swift exit, although they did beat Croatia 1-0 in their final match.

He is also seeking to silence critics who say they are in Germany only because their South American rivals cannot cope with the lung-bursting altitude of Ecuadorean capital Quito, where they were unbeaten in qualifying.

''Ecuador have always been criticised with people saying we can only play at high altitude. Now we have shown we can win at this altitude as well,'' Suarez said.

REUTERS PDS PM1626