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YOKOHAMA, Japan (Ticker) -- Flying high after stunning Italy, Croatia on Thursday meets a struggling Ecuador team, which has lost both games in its World Cup debut. A win for the third-place team from France 1998 by a two-goal margin, combined with a loss by Mexico against Italy will see both European sides into the knockout round. A tie between the other two and victory by Croatia will also send them through. Ecuador is not mathematically eliminated, but its path to the second round is complicated and unlikely to occur. Ecuador, which has scored just one goal in defeats to Italy and Mexico, needs to win by at least three goals difference and have Mexico beat Italy. As a first-time World Cup participant, Ecuador appears timid and lacks some confidence on the field. But the fact Croatia needs multiple goals, could mean a lot of space left at the back which Agustin Delgado may exploit. Ecuador may play freely and look for a positive performance. Veteran skipper Alex Aguinaga may make the starting lineup after overcoming a leg injury in the game against Italy. Coach Mirko Jozic may opt to start 22-year-old Ivica Olic in place of Davor Vugrinec. Olic scored against Italy minutes after coming on as substitute. |
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