Ecuador lead Costa Rica 1-0 at halftime

HAMBURG, June 15 (Reuters) Ecuador took a 1-0 lead at halftime today in their World Cup Group A match against Costa Rica.

Striker Carlos Tenorio scored in the eighth minute, powerfully heading in an excellent cross from the right by Luis Antonio Valencia that swerved in front of the Costa Rica defence. It was his second goal in two matches after he scored in the 2-0 win over Poland last week.

Ecuador kept the pressure on Costa Rica's defence through much of the first half hour.

Costa Rica, who lost 4-2 to Germany in their first game, sent on forward Alvaro Saborio in the 29th minute to replace midfielder Danny Fonseca.

REUTERS AY PM1939