Ecuador began their World Cup campaign with a precious 2-0 win over Group A rivals Poland on Saturday.
Carlos Tenorio broke the deadlock in the 24th minute with a stooping header and Agustin Delgado made the points safe for the South Americans with a simple tap-in 10 minutes from time.
Poland, who have twice finished third at the World Cup, in 1974 and in 1982, enjoyed plenty of possession but were short on ideas in the final third of the pitch, although they did hit the woodwork in the closing stages.
Ecuador, who finished behind Brazil and Argentina in their qualifying group, next face Costa Rica while Poland take on hosts Germany.
Roared on by the vast majority of fans inside the Veltins Arena, Poland started brightly but Ecuador were the first to threaten, Segundo Castillo's dipping 25-yard volley comfortably saved by Artur Boruc.
Jacek Krzynowek drilled a free-kick wildly over the bar for Poland before Ecuador took the lead.
A long throw-in from the right touchline was flicked on by the gangly Delgado and Tenerio's angled header just eluded Boruc's outstretched hand for his sixth goal in 30 international appearances.
The same goalscoring combination almost doubled Ecuador's advantage five minutes later, but Delgado's cutback from the byline was blazed over the bar by Tenorio from a few yards out.
{{/usCountry}}The same goalscoring combination almost doubled Ecuador's advantage five minutes later, but Delgado's cutback from the byline was blazed over the bar by Tenorio from a few yards out.
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