Surprise element key in Latin American tie

COSTA Rica and Ecuador know each other so well - they have met eight times since 1998 - that a tactical surprise could prove significant when the two Latin American countries clash in Hamburg this afternoon.

It comes as no shock, then, to hear that Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez will not announce his starting XI until the very last minute. "It may sound simple, but I will try not to give any clues to our rivals," said Suarez, whose team enjoyed an unexpected win against Poland last Friday.

"I believe that the less information you give to your opponents, the better your chance of getting a positive result."

Costa Rica - who lost 4-2 to Germany in their opening game - do not have history on their side. Of the eight friendlies since 1998 there have been six draws and two Ecuador victories.

Cost Rica's assistant coach Eduardo Mendez said: "The mutual knowledge really leaves us in a balanced position, so the result may depend on which teams can surprise the other on the field. Let's just hope that our players can work well the tactics we have prepared."