Ecuador coach Luis Suarez hailed his side's qualification to the second phase of the World Cup as a "historic day".

The Tricolor side demolished Costa Rica 3-0 in Hamburg, with goals from Carlos Tenorio, Agustin Delgado and substitute Ivan Kaviedes.

This triumph, which followed their 2-0 win in their opener against Poland, has assured them of a place in the last 16 for the first time in their history and still with the game against Germany remaining.

"Today is a very important day for Ecuador, a historic day," said the Colombian-born Suarez.

Despite the seven-hour time difference, fans in Quito have already poured out on to the streets to get the fiesta started.

"It's a day of celebration for Ecuador," added Suarez.

"We have never qualified for the second stage and this is a fantastic achievement for us."

Suarez believes his team can go far in this tournament.

"We haven't come to the World Cup just for the ride," he said.

"We want to have a starring role and we now want more.

"For me, this is a personal and professional satisfaction."

Ecuador will now take on the host nation with the top spot in Group A up for grabs.

Suarez has confirmed he will make some changes for their final group game.

"Some of my players are very tired and others have received some knocks," he said.

"I will make some decisions regarding some changes.

"We must now enjoy this moment and then concentrate on making a good performance against Germany before we find out who our next rival will be."

Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimaraes admitted Ecuador were the better team on the day.

"Ecuador have shown great quality in the past two games," said Guimaraes.

"They are a difficult team to beat and I think they will do well."

Thursday's defeat was Costa Rica's second of the tournament following their opening 4-2 slip against Germany.

"It's very disappointing to have lost two games in a row," said Guimaraes.

"But when you miss chances in front of goal you will get punished. "We were punished by Germany and now by Ecuador."

Guimaraes believes his team must make improvements if they wish to end the tournament with a triumph.

Los Ticos take on winless Poland in their last Group A clash.

"Both teams are going to play for pride," he said.

"Of course, we will need to show a better performance than we have in our previous two games."