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Ecuador, already eliminated from the World Cup upset Croatia with a second half goal, which gave them their first win and also eliminated the still in contention East Europeans. Ecuador took control of the midfield early and had the most of the game against a Croatia that in no way resembled the team that beat Italy. However, did have the first serious chance at goal when an Alen Boksic swiveling shot rocketed off the post.
Following a saving tackle by Ivan Hurtado on Boksic, the Croatian attacker saw a deftly placed chip shot over keeper Jose Cevallos cleared off the line by defenders, minutes later.
Ecuador's goal came in the opening minutes of the second half when Edison Mendes fired a superb half volley past Croatian goal tender Stipe Pletikosa. The rest of the period continued to be to and fro with little in the way of chances for either side, until Croatia stepped up the tempo in the final ten minutes.
Davor Vugrinec volleyed the ball over the bar off a cross from Boksic, and a header from Mario Stanic was cleared off the line. The final whistle went with a dejected Croatia out of the tournament and headed for home as Ecuador salvaged a win for their pride.
(Chris Price, chris@chosun.com )
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