Inamoto nets Japan's winner. (Allsport)

By Dave Tindall

Getting out of bed at 7.30am on a Sunday morning to watch Mexico v Ecuador isn't everyone's cup of tea.

But it proved rewarding for those who responded to their early alarm calls as we witnessed a lively game with three goals and plenty of near misses.

Although Southampton striker Agustin Delgado wrote himself into the history books by netting Ecuador's first ever goal in the World Cup finals, the Mexicans fought back well to win 2-1.

The winner came from Gerado Torrado who has taken the eye in this World Cup with two strong performances in midfield. Premiership managers should be looking at this chap. Surprisingly he's still only 23 - I had guessed at late 20s - and links the play well in midfield as well as packing a fierce shot. Interested parties need to prize him away from Seville in Spain.

Ecuador certainly haven't disgraced themselves in this World Cup and, believe it or not, still have a chance of going through.

The unlikely scenario is that they beat Croatia while Mexico beat Italy in the final group games. Even then they have to make sure their goal difference is superior.

***

Turkey could be this year's dark horses but came within a whisker of crashing out after two games after their 1-1 draw with Costa Rica.

Although they were ahead with just four minutes left, they conceded a late equaliser and could even have lost the game as Costa Rica went for broke.

This is undoubtedly the most talented generation of Turkish players to emerge in their nation's history. Teams with little World Cup history are capable of great things if a crop of players peak at the same time as we saw with Romania and Bulgaria at the 1994 World Cup and Croatia in 1998.

However, I feel Turkey may be hampered by two missing ingredients - discipline and the lack of a superstar leader.

Romania had Hagi, Bulgaria had Stoichkov and these two players were the real inspiration behind their teams.

Hakan Sukur is the most famous Turk but he's looked out of sorts so far and Turkey can't afford him to be off his game.

But it's probably their ill-discipline that will eventually catch them out. Yes, they were unlucky to lose to Brazil and Rivaldo made a fool of himself but if Hakan Unsal hadn't kicked the ball towards him in the first place he wouldn't have been sent off.

Alpay also saw red for a cynical foul in the Brazil game and without him the Turks looked dodgy in defence against Costa Rica.

And, in truth, Turkey are lucky that goalscorer Emre isn't suspended for the next game after he provoked ugly scenes when he pushed a Costa Rican team official who was holding the ball after it had got a throw-in.

But don't despair Turkish fans. It's not too late. If they can keep their calm then big things are possible.

Although they were disappointed not to win, the goal difference is such that if they score a reasonable win over China and Costa Rica lost to Brazil they will go through.

And at this stage, it looks likely they would meet Japan in the second round - a game the Turks have the talent to win. We shall see.

***

Talking of Japan, the co-hosts thoroughly deserved their 1-0 win over Russia - a result that puts them in strong position to top Group H.

It's been noticable how both host nations have played their games at a very high tempo - a style helped by their ability to handle the heat and humidity.

Both Japan and South Korea look good bets to reach the second phase now and that's good news all round. It keeps the levels of interest up amongst the home crowds and also means we get to see two lively, attacking teams 'going for it' rather than ones who sit back and try to snatch something on the break.

It will be interesting to see if they can stick to this philosophy when they come up against the better teams later in the tournament.