By Justin Palmer

BAD KISSINGEN, Germany, June 11 (Reuters) Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez said he expects Costa Rica to pose a tougher test than Poland when they meet their Central American rivals on Thursday.

If Ecuador follow up their 2-0 win over the Poles in their Group A opener with another win over the Ticos in Hamburg they could reach the second round even if they lose to Germany in their final game.

''We know them well and they know us well,'' Suarez said of their opponents, who lost 4-2 to hosts Germany in the tournament curtain-raiser.

''It's going to be a completely different game. ''It is a more dangerous game for us than against Poland,'' he told reporters during training in the picturesque spa town of Bad Kissingen.

Suarez, who said before the tournament his side were in an ''interesting'' phase of development, has been quick to dampen the expectation levels of Ecuadorean fans.

'CULTURAL PROBLEM' Thousands of chanting Ecuadoreans poured into the rain-washed streets of the capital Quito on Friday to celebrate their team's victory over Poland.

''We have a cultural problem in South America,'' he explained.

''Before the start nobody said Ecuador would win against Poland.

''Now after we have won everyone is saying (beating) Costa Rica will not be difficult and we will win.

''We must change that way of thinking. We respect Costa Rica as rivals. They have a very aggressive frontline, they are quick at breaking down the flanks and have a good striker in (Paulo) Wanchope.'' Suarez said he did not plan to make changes for Thursday but was not afraid to tinker with a winning side.

Captain Ivan Hurtado (knee), striker Carlos Tenorio (calf), scorer of the first goal against Poland, and midfielder Edison Mendez (stomach upset) missed training on Thursday but the trio are expected to recover in time to face Costa Rica.

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