France 0-0 Ecuador: Silence falls over the roosters.
France still holds the top spot in the group, but the Gallic Roosters couldn't crow as loudly as in the previous two matches. The French strikers were completely ineffective against Ecuador.
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| The French national team (in light shirts) failed to score against Ecuador. |
With the mindset that a draw against Ecuador would secure them the top spot in Group E regardless of the margin of victory for Switzerland against Honduras, France started the match without the same intensity as in their previous two games. The starting lineup, with several personnel changes compared to the emphatic win against Switzerland, failed to impose their will on a tough Ecuadorian side.
France's frustration was vividly illustrated by the fact that Karim Benzema didn't manage his first shot on goal against Ecuador until the 44th minute. It felt like Les Bleus were playing a friendly match.
Unable to launch a relentless attack, France also avoided leaving any gaps for their opponents to exploit. Despite their direct competitor for a place in the Round of 16, Switzerland, taking an early 2-0 lead against Honduras in the first half, the Ecuadorian players were unable to find an opportunity to take the lead against France.
The situation became even more difficult for Ecuador when Antonio Valencia received a red card early in the second half. The Manchester United midfielder was sent off after a foul on Lucas Digne.
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| Valencia received a red card after a fierce tackle on Digne. |
Coach Didier Deschamps successively brought on strikers Olivier Giroud and Loic Remy in the second half in an attempt to improve the attacking power of the French team. Yet, France still couldn't score.
France even came close to conceding a goal in the 82nd minute. Fortunately, the alertness of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris saved them from a shocking defeat.
Thus, France secured first place in Group E in a rather lackluster manner in their final group stage match. Coach Deschamps' team will face Nigeria (second in Group F) in the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Switzerland will face the winner of Group F, Argentina.
STARTING LINEUP
France:Lloris; Sagna; Koscielny, Sakho (Varane 61'), Digne; Pogba, Matuidi (Giroud 67'), Schneiderlin; Sissoko, Benzema, Griezmann (Remy 79').
Ecuador:Dominguez, Paredes, Guagua, Erazo, W.Ayovi; Noboa (Caicedo 90'), Minda; A.Valencia, Arroyo (Achilier 82'), Montero (Ibarra 63'); E. Valencia.
Disappointing Antonio Valencia Despite being the captain and biggest star, Antonio Valencia of Ecuador had a lackluster performance, failing to score any goals and contributing to his team's early elimination from the group stage. The Manchester United midfielder further hampered his teammates in the match against France this morning, receiving a direct red card in the 50th minute for a foul. This was Valencia's second red card in his last four matches with Ecuador. It's also worth noting that five out of France's last seven World Cup matches have seen red cards. |
