WORD CUP SOCCER
Ticos to be more Aggressive Against Ecuador  
Costa Rica will have to play a more attacking game when they meet Ecuador in their second match of World Cup Group A in Hamburg on Thursday. They cannot afford a second defeat after losing to hosts 4-2 Germany in the tournament's opener.

"These situations force us to a change and we will strengthen our attack," Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimaraes said. "We have to take control and make sure we create lots of chances. We could not do that against Germany but this is our turn to attack."

Striker Paulo Wanchope, who scored both goals against Germany, echoed his coach's view: "We have to be more on the offensive and seek the victory from the very beginning."

But Ecuador's confidence is never higher and they are looking to achieve their third victory in the World Cup finals in a row. They ended the 2002 tournament with a 1-0 win over Croatia and started this one with a 2-0 win over Poland.

A win will take Ecuador to the knockout stage and they would be relaxed before playing Germany in their final group match.

Both Costa Rica and Ecuador have some injury worries after their opening matches. Costa Rica right back Gilberto Martinez will be out of the game after aggravating a knee injury and Wanchope also suffered an ankle knock against Germany but he is almost sure to play.

Ecuador captain Ivan Hurtado and strikers Carlos Tenorio and Agustin Delgado were replaced in the second half of the Poland game because of minor injuries. But they are expected to be available to face Costa Rica.

With a win in hand, Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez does not take it for granted that they will return from Hamburg with a victory.

"We know them well and they know us well. It's going to be a completely different game. It is a more dangerous game for us than against Poland," Suarez said.

He added, "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."

His captain Ivan Hurtado also said, "We're just 90 minutes from ensuring qualification, but of course we've done nothing yet."

Game time is 7:00am locally. As with last Friday's game, government employees have the morning off to watch the game.