The Ecuador vs France (Francia) match will take place this Wednesday, June 25, at 1:00 PM Pacific at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. The French are all but guaranteed the top berth in Group E before taking the field, meaning that they should avoid Argentina in the last 16.
France came into the World Cup in a positive but slightly guarded frame of mind, however they have displayed some scintillating football, scoring eight goals in two games.
The only way Deschamps’ men could be relieved of their position at the top of the group is if they go down by four goals to Ecuador, but even the most optimistic of Ecuadorian would say this is unlikely.
Ecuador must win to guarantee qualification ahead of Switzerland, although they will be hoping Honduras can do them a favour as the two sides are currently tied on points – with Ecuador having the better goal difference.
Ecuador Team News
Ecuador will field more or less the same side which overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat Honduras in their previous game. The star of the show thus far has been Enner Valencia. His three goals in two matches have attracted the attention of many European clubs, and the player – who currently plays in Mexico for Pachuca – will be looking to further his case for a big money transfer to Europe.
Ecuador will set up to contain the French initially having seen them come out of the blocks extremely quickly ion their opening two games. If they are still level at half-time, it may be a signal to become slightly more adventurous, although there is little e doubt that one eye will be on events in the Switzerland game.
France Team News
There are doubts over the fitness of Varane and Sakho for the French, although in truth they were likely to be rested in any case. There is a potential first appearance in the tournament for the electric–fast Loic Remy, and Arsenal defender Koscielny may also be called upon as Deschamps looks to slightly shuffle his pack.
The French – along with the Dutch – have been the best team to watch in the tournament so far, and many commentators are tipping them to progress to the latter stages. On current evidence there is little to suggest this is wrong, although Ecuador could represent a sterner test than those they have been faced with so far in the tournament.
Ecuador vs France Prediction
When you have a striker in the form of Benzema currently, you always feel that you have a decent chance to score. The confidence that the French striker is currently playing with seems to be rubbing off on his countrymen and you’d expect the French to win with a bit to spare.
This World Cup has had its share of shocks, but it looks like the Swiss and the French to qualify from Group E. Ecuador will push France, but they just don’t quite have enough quality in the middle third of the pitch to be able to really trouble players like Paul Pogba. Prediction: Ecuador 1 – 3 France
Ecuador vs France Television
The Ecuador vs France match will be televised on ESPN, Univision and ESPN3 (stream).
