| Polish hopes of advancing to the second round of the World Cup took a severe blow after going down 0-2 to Ecuador. It was a sad day for the 40,000 Polish fans that traveled from all parts of Poland to see their team play. They cheered and sang until the end, to no avail. Żurawski was hopeless, Krzynówek and Szymkowiak were weak. The defense was unsure of itself and only Smolarek was fighting. It was not until the 84th minute that Poland had a shot on net, it came from Smolarek but was too weak to trouble the Ecuadorian keeper. Soon after that substitutes Jeleń hit the cross bar and Brożek the post. But time was up and hopes of a comeback quickly faded.
In the other match Germany defeated Costa Rica 4-2. Poland face Germany next and if they do not win Costa Rica must defeat Ecuador and in their final match Poland must win against Costa Rica by a high score and hope that Germany defeat Ecuador.
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