World Cup Day 1 - The first shock of the tournament

In a game which must have had interest to a watching England side, Ecuador caused the first upset of the tournament by defeating Poland 2-0 in tonights second game to move levek with Germany on three points on put a great deal of pressure on Poland ahead of their next game against Germany.

The Poles rarely threatened and look laboured in their attacking movement, and although Ecuador rarely looked threatening or incisive, they scored at vital moments and now put themselves in a great position to qualify from this group.

Poland did press late on and hit the woodwork twice but in truth did not deserve to take anything from the game. It is also vindication in some part to those who wrote off Ecuador, pointing to their favourable home record in qualification.

It is a result which also must give heart to Costa Rica, who if they can take four points from their remaining two games must fancy their chances of qualification. None of the sides apart from Germany in this group though look capable of making much of a dent beyond the last sixteen and it gives England extra incentive to finish top of the group and have a favourable second round match-up.

The group as a whole does appear to be wide open as a result of this outcome but Poland especially need to rebound quickly from this disappointment and show more attacking output than they did in tonights game.