ULISES DE LA CRUZ turned in an
impressive performance for Ecuador yesterday, but he could do little to
halt an impressive Italian side from running out easy 2-0 winners and
enhancing their position as one of the favourites to win the trophy in
the process.
De La Cruz took up a position and
style that will have been familiar to Hibs fans, looking sharp as he
moved up the right wing and delivered some dangerous balls into the
area. Sadly for Ecuador, the Hibs man appeared the only one with the
confidence to attack the Italians, and his solo efforts were never going
to be enough to provide Ecuador with anything other than tame defeat in
what was their first ever appearance in the World Cup finals. It will
also have not passed Hibs fans that they had seen it all before when the
Ecuador back four were caught out all too easily, with the right side of
their defence exposed by the quick passing Italians getting behind De La
Cruz and his colleagues at will.
De La Cruz and agent Eric Manasse - both could be
busy over the next few weeks
The Hibs man however was clearly the
most confident Ecuadorian on the park, and De La Cruz will clearly be
pleased with his own contribution. While comments attributed to De La
Cruz in the build-up to his World Cup debut have been rubbished back in
Edinburgh as 'translation difficulties', it remains likely that each
performance by the 28-year-old is being noted in Italy and Spain, the
two countries Ulises would clearly prefer to be next season!
Back home the summer silly-season of
speculation continues with claims that Garry O'Connor was set to sign
for Celtic today. Hibs of course have not received any calls about
their international striker, who is currently in any event on holiday,
but that has not halted continued talk of Leeds United, Rangers and now
Celtic waiting in the wings with an offer that cash-strapped Hibs simply
could not afford to turn away! Hibs fans meanwhile await news of any
likely arrivals at the club, with former Kilmarnock and Celtic striker
Tommy Johnson continuing to be favourite should the club be in a
position to sign any new faces ahead of their first pre-season friendly
against Queens Park at Hampden on July 16th. Johnson, who is available
on a free transfer, has also been linked with Livingston.
