Equador make change for second half

Italy 2 Ecuador 0

Ecuador coach Hernan Dario Gomez took playmaker Alex Aguinaga, who had been largely ineffective, out of the action and replaced him with Carlo Tenorio for the second half.

De La Cruz was the second Ecuador player to be cautioned in the 48th minute, for a studs-up tackle on Maldini.

Zambrotta continued to threaten down the right, turning neatly to cross for Totti, whose left-foot volley was blocked by De La Cruz.

Mendez discovered some rare space on the edge of the Italy area, only to blast his shot well wide of Buffon’s left post.

Italy almost extended their lead in the 56th minute with Tommasi stinging Cevallos’ fingertips.

From Totti’s resulting corner, Cristiano Doni stole in front of the keeper to volley against the crossbar.

Cevallos was also less than convincing when Vieri tried his luck with a left-foot drive from outside the area, punching the ball straight to Totti, who was crowded out by the Ecuador defence.

Vieri almost returned the favour for Totti from the first goal, but Porozo just managed to nip in front of the Roma man to clear Vieri’s cross.