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Ecuador vs France: World Cup 2014 match preview

A look ahead to the Group E clash between Ecuador and France in the Maracana stadium

Konstantinos Lianos

Wednesday 25 June 2014 13:07 BST

United front: Karim Benzema is enjoying playing with Olivier Giroud under France coach Didier Deschamps (Getty Images)

France are now sitting comfortably in Group E’s top spot after overcoming all the doubts regarding the team’s unity and a dramatic qualification to the competition. Les Tricolores have proven that the team has absolutely no resemblance to Raymond Domenech’s mess in South Africa four years ago and have beaten Honduras and destroyed Switzerland in the space of two weeks.

Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho had to be withdrawn during the second half of the Switzerland win because of an injury, but the 24-year-old has played down any concerns regarding his fitness.

Manager Didier Deschamps is expected to make changes to his starting line-up and save his key players for the next round, as Les Bleus are safe thanks to their goal record. One player that could possibly sit that one out is Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who has scored three goals at the group stage, with QPR’s Loic Remy being considered among the possible replacements.

Ecuador will need a win to secure their qualification and will hope that Switzerland do not beat Honduras with a long goal margin. Manager Reinaldo Rueda will be counting a lot on Enner Valencia’s goal-scoring form, Jefferson Montero’s skills and quickness on the wings as well as the experience of Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia.

Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

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1/22Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Diego Benaglio

Any afternoon in which you concede five goals at a World Cup is going to produce a low score but a fine penalty save prevents it from sinking too deep on the charts. 4

Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Stephen Lichtsteiner

Ineffective and weak into the tackle, Lichsteiner struggled to deal with Benzema and Matuidi all evening. With both of them ultimately scoring, blame must fall at his door. 5

Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Ricardo Rodriguez

Was tasked with containing both Valbuena and Sissoko but, with both players hitting the back of the net, it must be said that he ultimately failed in this task. Will be doing his best not to remember this game in a hurry. 5

Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Johan Djourou

A poor challenge to give away the penalty, when coupled with a timid display in defence, inevitably summed up Switzerland’s night. 5

Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Steve Von Bergen

Injured early into the game but looked decent until an eye-watering plight ended his evening. 6

Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Gokhan Inler

Played some thoroughly decent balls through the French defence but was also guilty of a number of criminal lapses of concentration which cost the Swiss dearly. 6

Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Xherdan Shaqiri

Was expected to achieve more this summer but was always going to struggle when faced with such a physically intimidating French side. Tried hard to squeeze into the gaps but France were up to any challenge which he posed. 6

Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Valon Behrami

A threat on many occasions, and a tireless worker in the heart of Switzerland’s midfield, this was a decent display among the poor showings of his teammates. One of the few Swiss players to turn up. 7

Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Haris Seferovic

Made no impact on the game and often hindered any Switzerland foray into the French half rather than aiding them. A poor day at the office. 5

Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Admir Mehmedi

While doing very little on the wing, Mehmedi was forced to come into the central positions more often and actually put in a good shift in front of the defence. 6

Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Granit Xhaka

An exquisite strike in the latter stages saved what was an otherwise poor display. Will have to improve in the next match if Ottmar Hitzfeld’s men are to progress. 6

Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Hugo Lloris

Didn’t have much to do throughout but there was nothing to be done about either of Switzerland’s late goals, this was a decent outing for Tottenham Hotspur’s no. 1. Will be disappointed to have conceded twice nonetheless. 6

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Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Mathieu Debuchy

Joined the Les Bleus attack on a few occasions and did his job competently at the back. 7

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Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Patrice Evra

Was desperately unlucky not to score in the second half, after electing to use his left foot when his right may have been a better choice, but was defensively solid. A different player to the one we saw in 2010. 7

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Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Mamadou Sakho

While inconsistent for Liverpool in the Premier League, Sakho is a different player in a France shirt. Already a cult hero after his goals had secured their place in this summer’s World Cup, displays like this won’t do his stock any harm at all. 7

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Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Raphael Varane

The Real Madrid defender was superb when faced with the attacking flair of his Swiss opponents. Strong into the tackle and effective in the air, young aspiring centre-backs should watch Verane play more often. 7

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Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Blaise Matuidi

A tricky customer at the best of times, the 27-year-old Paris Saint Germain player was real pest who Switzerland struggled to deal with throughout tonight’s clash. Defined France’s display with power and precision. 8

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Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Mathieu Valbuena

Fully deserving of his goal, Valbuena continues to be an example to his peers. Powerful on the break – as well as showing patience when required – this was a masterful midfield performance. 8

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Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Yohan Cabaye

A fine display from a player who has gone from strength to strength since his move to Paris Saint Germain. Now an essential player for the national side, Cabaye was superb once again. 7.5

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Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Moussa Sissoko

While British audiences may be surprised to see the Newcastle United man in France’s starting eleven, Sissoko is an invaluable member of Didier Deschamp's side. He proved it yet again today and even got on the score sheet. 7

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Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Olivier Giroud

Had a point to prove after announcing his displeasure at not starting France’s opening game and made it in style. A great, towering header gave him a perfect start to his World Cup. 8

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Switzerland 2 France 5 player ratings

Karim Benzema

Unlucky not to have got a hat-trick, after missing a penalty and falling foul to an ill-timed full-time whistle – the Real Madrid big man continues to prove his quality. Could even leave Brazil with the Golden Boot if this rich vein of form continues. 8.5

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KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 9pm

PAST MEETING:

France 2 (Gomis 2) Ecuador 0, International Friendly, May 2008

STATS:

Ecuador have never beaten France.

Ecuador forward Enner Valencia, who has no relation to the Manchester United winger, has scored all three of Ecuador’s goals in their two previous group stage matches and has netted the ball in all of his last six international appearances. As a kid, he used to milk cows and would then sell the milk to save up for his first pair of football boots.

La Tri have failed to keep a clean sheet for seven straight matches.

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud scored France’s 100 goal in the World Cup last week and now Les Tricolores count 104 goals in the competition.

Real Madrid hitman Karim Benzema has picked up nine goals in his last eight international caps.

ODDS:

Ecuador to win: 15.4

France to win: 17.20

Draw: 13.5

TV: Live on BBC One at 9pm

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