France managed to secure progression from Group E in top spot following a goalless draw with Ecuador in their final game in the opening stages of the World Cup.
Here, Sports Mole brings you an analysis of all of the talking points from the 90 minutes of action at the Estadio Maracana.
Match statistics
ECUADOR
Shots: 11
On target: 7
Possession: 40%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 17
FRANCE
Shots: 21
On target: 14
Possession: 60%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 6
Was the result fair?
Given the statistics – suggesting dominance in possession and attack – France probably deserved to win this given the number of chances they created. However, they weren't as ruthless as they've been in their previous two games and it really showed tonight, as Les Bleus had 14 shots on target but failed to find the net once. Ecuador gave it their best, but they didn't have enough quality to secure the two goals they required. They should perhaps be a little disappointed that they left it so late to take the game to the French.
Ecuador's performance
Ecuador looked accomplished in the opening stages, as a five-man midfield got amongst the French midfield and prevented them from having total control of the game. However, they were always chasing more goals than they had in them and the sending-off of Antonio Valencia only sought to make an impossible task even more difficult. There were glimmers of hope, especially in the form of Enner Valencia and Jefferson Montero, while goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez had a terrific night. However, it always just a little too far beyond the Ecuadorians.
France's performance
This was an odd game for France and hopefully hasn't damaged the momentum they've built up so far in this tournament. Didier Deschamps gave a number of players a chance, including Morgan Schneiderlin, who failed to seize the initiative and earn themselves a place in the starting XI for the game against Nigeria. They did play a whole lot better in the second period, but were poor in front of goal and failed to take the 14 chances they had on target.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Alexander Dominguez: Perhaps the busiest man of the night, Dominguez pulled off 14 saves to keep out the French, denying the likes of Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba and Olivier Giroud all at almost point-blank range. The keeper controlled his box well and laid claim to a number of threatening crosses. His best save came as he leapt for the cameras to deny Pogba's header by tipping it over the bar in the first half.
Biggest gaffe
Antonio Valencia might look back on his challenge on Lucas Digne with a heavy heart. His side weren't necessarily in the game when he was dismissed, but he made the task even harder with his red card. It was a little naive and immature from a player who represents a club like Manchester United.
Referee performance
Noumandiez Doue had a fairly quiet game, which is probably a positive for a referee at a tournament of this magnitude. He made the right call on Valencia, as studs were showing, while also allowing the game to flow in midfield. A professional job well done.
What next?
Ecuador: The Ecuadorians become the first South American side to exit the World Cup this time around, but they've put in an impressive shift and have by no means been a disappointment. They narrowly lost out to Switzerland and were excellent against Honduras.
France: France will now face Nigeria in the last 16, with the Greens yet to really impress in the tournament. Les Bleus will surely restore the same starting XI that began the game against Switzerland, perhaps with the inclusion of Pogba, as they look to progress into the quarter-finals.
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