Delgado - feels a responsibility to the fans (Allsport)

By Jason Hughes, PA International, Sapporo

Striker Agustin Delgado insists Ecuador have not come along for the ride at their first World Cup.

The South Americans, who open their camapign against highly-fancied Italy in Sapporo, have already proved their credentials by finishing second to Argentina and ahead of Brazil in qualifying.

"We have a big job to do here," said the Southampton player, whose action in the Premiership has been limited to less than three hours because of a knee injury.

"We want to have fun, but we also have a big responsibilty to people back home.

"They will make a sacrifice by watching us at strange hours and they will want us to do well with the whole world watching."

Delgado finished joint top scorer with Argentina's Hernan Crespo during South American qualifying and he will form one half of a potent strikeforce with Ivan Kaviedes, who has been on loan at Celta Vigo in Spain.

Coach Hernan Gomez, meanwhile, believes his players are capable of even better performances than in their marathon qualifying campaign, which included a memorable win over Brazil.

"I think the team has to play at a higher level than in the qualifying," said Gomez.

"We had a lot of great games during that part of the tournament, but we have been training even better recently, especially in the past week."

He added: "We want everyone to be proud of us and to love us for our good football. The fans back home in Ecuador should be proud of their country and be proud of my players."

Playmaker Alex Aguinaga, who was instrumental in Necaxa's defeat of Manchester United at the 1999 World Club Championship, admitted his appearance at the finals will fulfill a boyhood dream.

"I used to watch the World Cup when I was younger and watch the other teams from around the world," said the 33-year-old.

"Now it is our turn to be seen around the world and see our flag at the World Cup."