Ecuador eye Wanchope as chief threat

BAD KISSINGEN, Germany, June 12 (Reuters) Ecuador fear Costa Rican striker Paulo Wanchope could shatter their hopes of reaching the next round of the World Cup, captain Ivan Hurtado today said.

''He is someone we have to look out for,'' captain Ivan Hurtado told reporters before a training session today.

''Costa Rica are in the World Cup for a reason. Wanchope is clearly the key part of their attack and of course scored two goals,'' said Hurtado, who has the job of marshalling Ecuador's defence.

Costa Rica lost their first match 4-2 against Germany, but Wanchope exposed weaknesses in the hosts' back line and scored twice. Ecuador are confident after their 2-0 win over Poland, but believe they now face a tougher opponent.

''Ecuador will have to play better than in the first match,'' Hurtado said, looking forward to Thursday's game in Hamburg.

Assistant coach Armando Osma said Costa Rica were technically superior to the Poles and would be eager to attack.

''It will be a very different match, more Latin American, so it will probably be a more attractive game,'' Osma said.

Osma added he and chief coach Luis Fernando Suarez wanted to see Ecuador threaten more from the flanks.

Three days before the match, Ecuador have no major injury concerns. Hurtado (calf) and strikers Carlos Tenorio (calf) and Agustin Delgado (back) were all requiring treatment, but the trio were expected to have recovered by Thursday.

REUTERS SY ND2222