My World Cup Review

Ecuador 0 : 0 France

Everything was to play for in the last group E game as all 4 teams had a chance of progressing. 

Ecuador played France in their final game and had to beat them to guarantee their position in the knockouts. France made numerous changes but they still looked threatening with Benzema looking to increase his impressive start to the competition. There was the odd attack from Ecuador but they could not unlock the French defence. As the half progressed the Ecuadorian defenders were working tirelessly to halt any dangerous advances from the French and a good save from the 'keeper (one for the cameras) tipped over a clever header from Pogba. Around the 40th minute Ecuador sparked into life and launched a dangerous attack which was well saved by Lloris. 

A 1-0 win was all that was needed for Ecuador to progress ahead of Switzerland, but that task was made even harder after Antonio Valencia was shown a straight red card for a stamp tackle, and though he did connect with the ball first, his momentum took him onto the shin of Digne and the referee deemed the tackle as dangerous. This left Ecuador with 10 men for the last 40 minutes of the game. But going down to 10 men boosted Ecuador's mentality and they nearly scored from a swift counter attack. They tried and tried but could not get that goal they needed. France had opportunity after opportunity to score themselves but Domingez was not letting anything past. The score in the other game increased to 3-0 which meant that Ecuador had to score 2. Into the last 10 minutes and even though Ecuador had plenty of desire and courage, their chances faded and the match ended goalless. 

FRANCE - group winners

SWITZERLAND - runners up

Ecuador

Honduras 

My World Cup Review

Switzerland 2 : 5 France 

France and Switzerland kick off the 8pm game tonight. 

Both teams started the game with 3 points from their first match of the group games so both were full of confidence. France soon took control and stamped their authority on the game and hit Switzerland hard with 2 goals in the first 20 minutes. They could have made it 3 from the penalty spot but Benzema's shot was well saved, fell kindly to Cabaye who's volley hit the bar. Switzerland had opportunity to attack the French on the counter attack but could not take any chances. France scored their 3rd with a counter attack of their own following a Swiss corner. 

Switzerland would have had the team talk from hell after that first half and they would have wanted to start in the best way possible. They did come close but if it wasn't for Hugo Lloris they may have found a way through. A sublime pass from a rising star Pogba with the outside of the boot fell to Bezema to sweep home. France could have had 5 in the first half, but it took them 73 minutes to get there with another sweet passing movement ending in a slotted finish from Sissoko into the corner of the Swiss goal. A consolation goal was scored by Dzaimali from a free kick, which was some distance out, somehow went through the wall, cut daisies, found its way into Lloris' goal. A little late from Switzerland as they scored their 2nd on the 87th minute with another well taken goal. A pass over the French defence was hit first time from Xhaka. The greatest comeback? Surely not. 

The final whistle blew just as Benzema scored a wonder goal, shame, but he wouldn't mind as another 3 points gained. The Swiss however wishing they could turn the clocks back (sorry) after that poor performance.