Take us seriously, says Ecaudor's Tenorio

BAD KISSINGEN, Germany, June 11 (Reuters) Forget its volcanoes, Andean peaks and the Galapagos Islands, the world will know Ecuador for its football after the World Cup, according to striker Carlos Tenorio.

Ecuador have barely caused a ripple on the world stage but made many sit up and take notice when they defeated Poland 2-0 in their Group A opener on Friday.

Tenorio, who scored the 24th minute goal with a header that set the South Americans on their way to victory in Gelsenkirchen, said Ecuador were serious contenders to reach the knockout stage in their second World Cup.

''Somebody always causes a surprise. Nobody is here to lose,'' Tenorio told Reuters today. ''After this World Cup the world will know more about Ecuador players and what we can do.'' The shock defeat of the Poles was greeted with delirious celebrations in the capital Quito and Tenorio said they had shown they would not roll over and allow Germany and Poland an easy passage from the group.

''Football is very, very different now the tournament has started, you cannot play with your mouth, you need to play 90 or 95 minutes and maybe then you can talk. People think we can lose 10-0 to teams like Brazil but now that is impossible.'' SURPRISINGLY FEW South American players are a common feature around the leagues of Europe but surprisingly few Ecuadorean players ply their trade on the continent.

Attacking fullback Ulises De La Cruz, who is with England's Aston Villa, and Luis Antonio Valencia (Recreativo Huelva, Spain) are the only two of the 23-man squad to play in Europe.

Menorio, who plays in Qatar, said it was only ''bad luck'' that Ecuadorean players had not earned moves to European sides.

''Maybe this will change after Germany,'' he said. ''We have some very talented players.'' Tenorio, whose international career has suffered from his decision to move to Qatar's Al Sadd, is hoping his performances will bring offers from other clubs.

''I have played for three years there (in Qatar). I want a change but the team do not want to sell. I have to honour my contract (two further years).'' Tenorio skipped training on Sunday after suffering a recurrence of a calf injury against Poland but the 27-year-old is confident of lining up against Costa Rica.

Reuters SI GC2253