The World Cup 'auf Schalke' began with a surprise when a more fancied Poland side lost 2-0 to Ecuador in their opening game at the FIFA World Cup Stadium in Gelsenkirchen. Carlos Tenorio (24') and Augustin Delgado (80') got the goals for the South Americans in a carnival atmosphere inside the Arena.

Some unfamiliar colours dominated the scene inside the stadium on Friday evening, with the usual blue-and-white of Schalke being replaced by the red-and-white of Poland. The Polish fans had the Arena well under control and apart from one small section were in the majority all round the ground.

The Ecuador supporters provided a 'dash of yellow' in the corner between the East and South Stands in the section normally reserved for away fans at Bundesliga matches. And they really got behind their side, helping the nominal outsiders get off to the better start, for which they were rewarded with the opening goal in the 24th minute.

After a long throw had been flicked on Ecuador striker Carlos Tenorio was perfectly placed to head home from six metres out. The goal ushered in some euphoric scenes in the yellow corner of the ground as the Ecuadorians celebrated a goal they certainly deserved at that stage.

The excellent atmosphere inside the stadium was particularly pleasing, with no signs of any hatred or hostility. On the contrary, the fans joined together to celebrate a festival of football, with the first Mexican wave swashing around the ground after just ten minutes.

Ecuador keeper Christian Mora provided a splash of colour during the match. The 26-year-old had smeared something across his face in the manner of an American footballer. But inside of two black bars it was his country's national colours that graced the shotstopper's cheeks. The 'war paint' seemed to add an edge to Mora's performance, and he left a reliable impression in an otherwise uncertain looking Ecuador defence.

And that was exactly what Ecuador needed, as the Poles stepped up the pressure after the interval. Driven on by their fans, who urged Pawel Janas's team forward with chants of "Polska, Polska", Poland took command, repeatedly putting the Ecuador goal under threat.

Yet Ecuador remained dangerous on the break. And ten minutes from time one of their counterattacks finally settled the game as a contest. Substitute Ivan Kaviedes laid the ball off in front of goal for Augustin, who had no trouble sliding the ball home to make it 2-0. Poland struck the woodwork twice in the closing stages through Ireneusz Jelen (87') and Pawel Brozek (90'), but it wasn't to be enough.