Ecuador faces an uphill task of beating France in their final league match of World Cup 2014 to secure a spot in the knock-out round. France are through to the second for all practical purposes. They have the best goal difference in the whole world cup. The chances of their exit are purely theoretical. Ecuador too will be through if they can beat France. Even if Switzerland wins against Honduras, the goal difference is likely to favour Ecuador.

Ecuador-France Preview

The big question is whether Ecuador can beat France, a team which appears to be peaking at the right moment. They have a terrific midfield and a bunch of frontline players who score for fun. Ecuador will be ruing the late goal they conceded against Switzerland which led them to a defeat in their first match. They came back with a win over Honduras. But France is the most difficult proposition they are likely to face in the tournament.

France will be looking to score their third straight win that will help them avoid Argentina in the next round. They will once again look forward to take over the control of midfield and then dictate terms. However, Ecuador has a stronger attack than that of the teams that ran into France so far.

Players

France is likely to rest some key players, possibly including Karim Benzema. That would mean some of the other strikers, Loic Remy or Antoine Griezmann, will get a chance in the starting eleven. Yohan Cabaye, who picked up his second yellow card in the match against Switzerland, will have to sit out.

All three of Ecuador’s goals have come from Enner Valencia. He is fast catching up with the other Valencia, Antonio, in popularity charts. The Valencias will be the key to Ecuador’s hopes of second round entry.

Ecuador-France Prediction

France is in too good form to avoid a slip-up against Ecuador.

France 1.70 @ Bet365

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25: Plenty of noise coming from the away section, here at the Goldsands Stadium. Fantastic support from the travelling #Swans fans.