Soccer: Battling Ecuador eliminate static Croatia

YOKOHAMA, Japan - Croatia stumbled out of the World Cup this morning (NZT), going down 1-0 to battling South American debutants Ecuador in their final group G match -- and watching Mexico and Italy qualify in their place.

The 1998 semi-finalists, who beat group rivals Italy 2-1 in their last game, were unable to lift themselves as Ecuador recorded their first World Cup finals win thanks to Edison Mendez's sharp 48th-minute finish.

"We are going home with dignity," Ecuador coach Dario Hernan Gomez said, even though his side also failed to reach the knockout phase of the competition.

A disappointed Croatia coach, Mirko Jozic, said his team had played too defensively and had lacked sharpness in attack.

"Our defence played too deep and the midfield followed," he added, noting that his team had gone further than the initial plan of closing down Ecuador's short-passing game in the midfield.

"At the end, our attackers lacked concentration and did not take their chances," he added.

Croatia's best effort was an Alen Boksic shot after 34 minutes that shaved a post.

Croatia went into the match knowing a two-goal win would guarantee their passage but made little headway in the first half, with only the movement of the experienced Boksic posing any real threat.

The 32-year-old turned sharply to direct one effort on to the post after 34 minutes and, on the stroke of halftime, hooked a fine Milan Rapaic pass goalwards only for Ecuador defender Augusto Porozo to head clear with his goalkeeper beaten.

With the group in a state of flux, Mexico's 1-0 halftime lead over Italy meant the point would be good enough for Croatia. But Ecuador were not out of it either, knowing a 3-0 victory would also put them through.

With this in mind, Gomez brought on Alex Aguinaga after 40 minutes, despite the fact that the inspirational midfielder is barely fit due to a thigh problem.

The South Americans, who only had an outside chance of qualifying themselves, stunned Croatia by taking the lead three minutes after the start of the second half.

Ulises De la Cruz crossed from the right and when Agustin Delgado headed the ball down, Mendez lashed it past Stipe Pletikosa in the Croatia goal.

Croatia vainly drove forward in search of an equaliser but Ecuador's defensive line held firm to leave the team from the Balkans heartbroken.

In the second group G match, which was played at the same time, Italy and Mexico drew 1-1 to qualify for the second round.

- REUTERS

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

Groups and team lists
Stars
Schedule
Points tables
Previous winners and key statistics

Interactive graphics:
Groups and team profiles