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France and Ecuador drew 0-0 in their final World Cup Group E game on Wednesday to send the French into the last 16 as group winners and eliminate their opponents due to Switzerland's 3-0 win over Honduras.
Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez made two great saves to deny Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann but the South American side's chances were dealt a mortal blow five minutes into the second half when captain Antonio Valencia was sent off after catching Lucas Digne as both men slid into a tackle.
Cristian Noboa missed a great chance for Ecuador soon after but, having started the day level on points with Switzerland, they never looked likely to find the win they needed and they escaped defeat only because of some poor French finishing.
France top the group with seven points and will play Group F runners-up Nigeria while Switzerland, who finished on six, take on Group F winners Argentina. Ecuador ended with four points to become the only one of the six South American sides not to progress, while Honduras lost all three games.
Show all 22 1 /22Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Alexander Dominguez While few of his saves could be classed as being exceptional, Alexander Dominguez was tested on numerous occasions and he was up to task every time. A thoroughly impressive shift. 8
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Juan Paredes Tried to contribute to any counter attacks but was understandably wary of losing possession. An average, secure performance. 7
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Jorge Guagua A rock at the back for Ecuador, Jorge Guagua was a reassuring presence in defence. France had no chance. 7.5
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Frickson Erazo Like Guagua, Frickson Erazo was a brick wall which his opponents simply weren’t going to knock down. Blocking, tackling and heading any ball sent his way, this was a brilliant night’s work. 8
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Walter Ayovi Posed an attacking threat as well as covering his back, Walter Ayovi has proven once more why a host of European clubs are monitoring his progress. 7.5
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Antonio Valencia Sent off for a rash challenge after contributing very little beforehand, this was an evening to forget for the Manchester United player. 5
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Oswaldo Minda While holding the line well, Oswaldo Minda carried no real threat in the final third. Often wasting possession, he struggled to keep up. 6
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Cristhian Noboa A tough tackling midfielder with an affinity for testing the goalkeeper’s abilities, this was an impressive outing for Cristhian Noboa. Unlucky to be going home so early. 7.5
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Jefferson Montero Often seen racing down the left flank, the winger was a danger throughout. Lacking the penetration to make a real difference, however, Montero will be disappointed not to have done more. 6.5
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Michael Arroyo When Ecuador needed composure, Micheal Arroyo brought wild finishing to table. Cost his side nearly when they needed him the most. 6
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Enner Valencia After impressing pundits and scouts alike so far this summer, this was a quieter display from one of the stand-out talents of this World Cup. 6
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Hugo Lloris Had precious little to do but was decent when required. 6
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Bacary Sagna Showed ambition to get forward but the free agent’s distribution was poor and hindered attacking moves rather than assisting them. 6.5
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Mamadou Sakho Looked more composed in possession than Premier League audiences will be used to but was impressive throughout. Should have been sent off, however, for an elbow on Antonio Valencia. 7
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Laurent Koscielny A commanding performance from the Arsenal centre-back. Dealt with aerial problems comfortably and tackled well when called upon. 7
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Lucas Digne Was the victim of a strong challenge from Antonio Valencia, which saw the Manchester United man get sent off, but remained strong and stood firm. 6.5
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Morgan Schneiderlin Mopped up any mistakes made by his colleagues in midfield and provided a decent anchor when they pushed forward. A strong performance. 7
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Blaise Matuidi Lost possession far too cheaply and was reluctant to get back and defend. A poor showing. 6
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Paul Pogba Other than the occasional long-range effort, contributed very little to the French cause. They missed his usually exciting presence. 6
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Moussa Sissoko Endeavoured to get forward whenever possible but proved ineffectual as a result of his disappointing distribution. His worst display of the tournament. 6
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Antoine Griezmann While usually a menace, Real Sociedad’s skilful winger looked out of sorts tonight. Was bitterly unlucky not to score in the second half but was otherwise quiet. 6.5
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Ecuador 0 France 0 player ratings Karim Benzema With the motivation of equalling Lionel Messi and Neymar’s goal scoring exploits, many will have expected more from the Real Madrid star. 6
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