Match Day 9 Preview

Match Day 9 starts of with Italy going up against upset minded Costa Rica at 11:00. France and Switzerland, the top two teams in group E, go at it at 2:00. Ecuador and Honduras close out the day at 5:00.

Today's Featured Game

France vs Switzerland

France come into the game fresh off of a 3-0 win in their first match. Star front man, Karim Benzema, looks to be in good form to start the tournament with 2 goals in the opener. The French won't have as easy of a time against the Swiss as they did against Honduras, but if they want to prove that they can win the tournament they need to beat Switzerland in this match. A win for them would probably guarantee safety for the French, which would already be a better finish than their performance in 2010. 

Switzerland need a late, late goal against Ecuador to secure 3 points. Many people have criticized the team saying that they don't deserve their #6 ranking, but they have a chance to silence the critics in this match against a good French side. The Swiss don't have the elite players that France have, but they do have dangerous forwards and a solid defense. They won't make life easy for the French. 

Players to Watch:

France

Karim Benzema (Forward) - Benzema was unlucky not to get a hat trick in the team's opening match. He is the most dangerous striker that the French have and so far he has lived up to expectations. With his ability to finish from in and around the penalty area he only needs one half chance to punish you. 

Mathieu Valbuena (Midfielder) - Valbuena's vision and ball striking skill will create problems for the defense. He didn't get an assist or a goal in the match against Honduras, but he was the driving force behind the French attack. 

Switzerland

Ricardo Rodriguez (Defender) - Both goals in their opener against Ecuador were created by Rodriguez. His man of the match performance catapulted him onto the world stage. If Switzerland want to top the group and make a deep cup run, Rodriguez will have to continue his run of form.

Xherdan Shaqiri (Forward) - The quick winger for the Swiss is probably their most recognizable player. His speed and technical ability make him extremely difficult to deal with. Although he is only 5' 6'' he is one of the most impactful players the Swiss have. 

Game Prediction:

I think that France are going to have the lion's share of possession, as well as a majority of the chances. Switzerland will invite the pressure and look to score on the counter attack. Their defense held strong against Ecuador, but France's attack force will be to strong.

Score Prediction:

France 2 Switzerland 1

Italy vs Costa Rica

Costa Rica recorded their most famous win in their previous match against Uruguay. Their chances to advance are much better than anyone could have foreseen, but I think their cinderella story comes to a halt against Italy. Costa Rica plays incredibly hard. Their defense will test Italy, but I don't think they will be able to muster much against the Italian back line. 

Italy 2 Costa Rica 0 

Ecuador vs Honduras

The bottom two teams in group E will both be looking for a win to keep their hopes of progression alive. Honduras will be without their best player, Wilson Palacios, after he received a red card in their opening game. Even with him I think the Hondurans would struggle against the South Americans. 

Ecuador 3 Honduras 1