Kaviedes - gets his chance against Mexico (Allsport).

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Ecuador's chances of making the second round of the World Cup may hinge on the success of a new strike partnership created by coach Hernan Dario Gomez.

A win against Mexico would level the group standings after Croatia's shock 2-1 win over Italy, and Gomez has brought in Ivan Jaime Kaviedes to play alongside Southampton's Agustin Delgado to spearhead the chase for victory.

The two have impressive international strike rates, with Kaviedes scoring 10 in his 27 internationals and Delgado hitting the net 21 times in 46 matches for his country.

During the nine matches the two started together in World Cup qualifying, they scored nine times between them as Ecuador won six and drew two.

When they were not together during the qualify process, Ecuador managed just three wins from nine.

Now both players are eager for more success against the Mexicans.

"The match won't be easy, because Mexico is a very skilled team in defence.

"They've conceded only two goals in the last six games, but we'll have to give all that we can," Kaviedes said.

"We have to go out there and play as if it was the last match, because we know that we need a victory. The key will be to play like we've always done: with ball control, moving the ball, not being desperate," Delgado said.

After losing their opening match 2-0 to Italy, Kaviedes knows the importance of Ecuador picking up a win against Mexico, who won their first game 1-0 against Croatia.

"Mexico are much more calm because they already have three points.

"For us it will be much more than one match, because if we lose, we won't have anything else to do here," Kaviedes said.

But Delgado sees Ecuador's situation as an advantage as there is no doubt as to what they need to do.

"Maybe we have things clearer than them, we know we have to win.

"Mexico may be uncertain because one point can be good for them, and they can't be sure if they should go for the goal or wait," he said.

Ecuador paid a high price for their inexperience against Italy, their first ever World Cup finals match, but expect to improve against Mexico.

Kaviedes saw the first one from the bench, and will now witness the second at first hand.

"Each person does as much as possible. Me, I'm calm and satisfied to be playing. I've worked a lot for this day and I have many dreams," he said.

Delgado was a part of the first defeat, but thinks the team learnt from losing to Azzurri.

"Having already played one match helps a lot. In the debut we made many mistakes that we won't repeat. We have to learn our lesson."