Saints fans caught their first glimpse of Ecuadorian pair Agustin Delgado and Cleber Chala playing in the same side yesterday as the duo lined up in their country's 2-0 World Cup defeat against Italy.

Delgado and Chala, who between them cost Saints more than £4m when they signed in November last year, have yet to feature together in an English match.

Striker Delgado, nicknamed the Tin Man, completed only a brief substitute appearance against Manchester United and a game against Rotherham in the FA Cup last season after struggling with a knee injury which required surgery.

Chala has yet to make his first team debut and was sent back to Ecuador on loan at the end of last season to allow him to prepare with his international teammates - Saints boss Gordon Strachan blamed his exclusion on his inability to speak English.

Speaking after yesterday's match, which was settled by two first half goals from Christian Vieri, Ecuador coach Hernan Dario Gomez defended his players, saying: "It's tough to come to a World Cup and play Italy in the first game and we certainly paid the price in those first few minutes of the game.

"We were a little nervous and weren't quite ready for that but we played well in the second half and we are not discouraged. We have the strength and the preparation to go on for the next match."

Delgado was generally isolated up front as Ecuador, playing in their first World Cup, were outclassed by the Italians but he did have a golden opportunity in the dying seconds when he found himself with time and space in the penalty area. However, his shot was well saved by Gianluigi Buffon who dived to his right.

Chala, who looked like a useful player in the Ecuador midfield before he was substituted with five minutes remaining, also had a chance - created by Delagdo in the 41st minute - but again Buffon was on hand to comfortably stop the shot.

Ecuador defender Ivan Hurtado commented: "We were nervous to begin with but in the second half things were different.

"We started matching the Italians and managed a few attacks and created some opportunities on goal, the best of which was that of Agustin but it was a good save."

Ecuador's next match is against Mexico on Sunday before they round off their Group H campaign against Croatia on Thursday, June 13.