After disappointing performances in the group stages of the World Cup four years ago, Poland and Ecuador are each looking to get an early foothold atop Group A Friday when they meet in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Both Poland and Ecuador finished last in their respective groups at the 2002 World Cup, though each squad won their final match. Poland lost to co-hosts South Korea and Portugal before defeating the United States, while Ecuador lost to Italy and Mexico prior to a victory over Croatia.

''Four years ago we didn't get out of the group, and that was a disappointment. Now we want to do everything to get out of the group phase, and then every additional match is going to be a bonus,'' Polish defender and team captain Jacek Bak said. ''I'm convinced that if we get out of the group we'll spread our wings and are capable of a big surprise.''

Despite their lackluster finishes in Asia four years ago, both countries have a reasonable chance to advance out of Group A, considered one of the tournament's weakest. Germany were seeded only because of their status as the host country, and Costa Rica finished third in CONCACAF qualifying.

''As a minimum we have to get to the second round. After that, a ton of other goals will open up,'' Ecuador coach Luis Suarez said. ''This is what we want the people to understand.''

Poland claimed their spot in the 32-nation competition through direct qualification in Europe. While the Poles finished runner-up to England in their group, they were one of the best second-place finishers in the region and avoided a playoff. It marked the first time Poland qualified for successive World Cups since 1974-86, when they made four straight appearances and finished third in both 1974 and 1982.

Polish coach Pawel Janas made one stunning decision with his squad, leaving goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek off the team. Dudek, who started in 2002 and also helped English side Liverpool to the 2005 UEFA Champions League title, lost his starting role with Liverpool, and Janas did not consider the goalkeeper match fit.

Offensively, the pressure will be on forward Maciej Zurawski to produce. Zurawski scored seven of Poland's 27 goals in World Cup qualifying and has 15 in 50 international appearances. Janas experimented with a 4-5-1 formation in Poland's final exhibition match, a 1-0 victory over Croatia, and Zurawski is optimistic his team can carry that success over to this match.

''They are a team within our reach,'' Zurawski said of Ecuador. ''If we play at least as well as we did against Croatia - and I think we'll play even better - then I think we will win.''

Ecuador finished tied for third with Paraguay in the grueling South American qualifying process to return to the World Cup. The ''Tricolor'' gained all but five of their 28 points at home in Quito, where they took advantage of the high altitude to go 7-0-2.

But the process was anything but smooth. Dario Gomez, who led Ecuador to the 2002 World Cup, resigned after a poor showing in the 2004 Copa America. Suarez took over the team with 11 qualifying matches left and was able to get critical home wins over traditional powers Brazil and Argentina.

Ecuador scored just 23 goals in their 16 qualifying matches, and striker Agustin Delgado is the team's best threat. He is the country's all-time leading goal scorer with 29 in 68 matches and contributed five during World Cup qualifying.

Suarez may not have the services of forward Carlos Tenorio, who is doubtful with a right foot injury suffered in a 2-1 loss to Macedonia on May 28. If Tenorio cannot play, Ivan Kaviedes likely will partner with Delgado up front.

''We are worried about Tenorio, and if he is not totally recovered I will sideline him,'' the coach said. ''I am not going to risk having him making his problem worse.''

The ''Tricolor'' are sound defensively with Ivan Hurtado, who has made 130 international appearances, and Ulises de la Cruz, who has appeared in 84 matches for Ecuador.

In November, before the draw was announced, Poland beat Ecuador 3-0 in a friendly played in Barcelona.

Poland continue the group stages against hosts Germany in Dortmund on June 14, while Ecuador will meet Costa Rica the following day in Hamburg.