USA Look for First Quarterfinal Since 2002, Argentina Take on the Swiss

Today's games are the final 2 for the round of 16. Argentina play Switzerland at 12:00 ET, and the United States challenge Belgium at 4:00 ET.

Argentina vs Switzerland

The Argentines navigated their group without losing a game. Led by Messi with 4 goals, they beat Iran 1-0, Nigeria 3-2, and Bosnia 2-1. The rest of the team hasn't really shown up. The team is filled with stars like Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain, but Messi is the only one who is producing in this competition. Argentina hasn't faced a really good team so far in this competition, and the Swiss will probably be their toughest opponent yet. If they want to advance into the quarters, someone other than Messi will have to step up today, against a Swiss side that is ranked inside the top 10 in the world. 

Switzerland finished 2nd in their group to France. They defeated Ecuador 2-1, and a hat trick from Shaqiri gave them a 3-0 win over Honduras. Their 5-2 loss to France has been their only blemish so far in the tournament. This Swiss team is solid at the back and has a couple explosive attacking players, but they don't have the superstars that nearly every team has at this point in the competition. If Switzerland is going to beat Argentina they will have to play a strong game in all phases of the match. The defense will have to be aware at all times of the runs of Messi and Di Maria. These 2 players have been fantastic during their club seasons, and if you switch off for a moment they will punish you. The Swiss will need to gain some control of the midfield in order to break up the Argentinian attack, and they will try to hit on the counter with the fast wing players.

Game Prediction:

Argentina are still my pick to win the tournament. It's just a matter of time before their big name players start to find their form in this tournament, and take some of the load off of Messi. I think this game against the Swiss is when that begins to happen. Argentina will loom on the attacking end, while Switzerland try to hit on the counter. Ultimately I think that the strike force of Argentina will be too much for the Swiss. 

Score Prediction: 

Argentina 3 Switzerland 1

USA vs Belgium

The United States escaped the group of death in second place behind Germany. Their 2-1 victory over Ghana, along with a 2-2 tie with Portugal, were enough to put them through despite a 0-1 lose vs Germany. Overall the Americans have look strong on the defensive end. Matt Besler has been one of the best players for the US side so far this tournament. His play at the back, along with Geoff Cameron and Omar Gonzalez, is a big part of why the US are where they are. The outside backs have also been phenomenal. Fabian Johnson at times has been the best player in the attacking third for the US, while Beasley has been a capable security blanket for the back line. The US midfield has been shaky so far in the tournament. Their performance was fantastic against Portugal, with Jones and Beckerman holding the center while Bradley tried to create going forward. But against Germany and Ghana the midfield couldn't get a foothold in the game. For the most part Bradley has looked poor. His touch has been heavy and he hasn't been able to find any of those incisive passes in the attacking third. He needs to be the leader in the middle of the park that he has been in the past, if the US wants to advance. The attack force for the US has struggled apart from Dempsey. Although with the news that Altidore is fit to play, the attack may be getting the back up that it needs to take on the big defenders of Belgium. The United States can defeat the Belgians if the put in a performance like the one against Portugal. The midfield will decide this game. Scoring early would be huge for the US against a Belgium side that has struggled to score.

Belgium finished atop their group with 3 wins. They defeated South Korea 1-0, Russia 1-0, and Algeria 2-1. Despite their record of 3 wins and no defeats, the Belgians have looked far from impressive so far. They have a star studded line up which includes players like, Lukaka, Hazard, Kompany, and Courtois, but the team hasn't added up to the sum of its parts. They needed a come from behind victory against Algeria, and late winner against Russia and South Korea. The Belgians haven't scored before the 70th minute so far in this World Cup, and all but 1 of their goals has been from a substitute. They struggle to find the back of the net and create chances. This Belgium team is a dangerous side when they are firing on all cylinders, but they are vulnerable right now, and if they play like they have in their opening 3 games they are going to get knocked out.

Game Prediction:

If the US are going to win this game, Bradley will need to have his best game of the tournament. Dempsey and Altidore are going to be a handful for the Belgian defense, and if the US midfield is able to hold possession against the Belgians, there will be opportunities to attack the Belgian goal. An early goal would really put the pressure on Belgium. Belgium hasn't created a ton of opportunities on the attacking end, and they had one of the easiest groups in the tournament. If they attack like they did in their previous games, they will have a tough time scoring against the US defense. I think that the US will be able to breakdown the Belgian defense and put a couple past Courtois, but Belgium won't get shutout.

Score Prediction:

USA 2 Belgium 1

Germany Survive, France Advance

France vs Nigeria

France came into the game looking like one of the strongest teams un the competition. Nigeria were one of only 2 African teams to make the round of 16, and they were the ones who went close first. Early on in the first half a through ball to Emenike was tucked into the net, but he was rightly called offside. The moment was the closest the Africans came to scoring the whole game, but they still had hope as Enyeama's heroic performance was keeping the French at bay. Pogba almost opened the scoring late in the first half with a sweetly struck volley, but he couldn't put it past the Nigerian goalie. In the second half the French kept getting closer to finding the breakthrough. Enyeama saved a 1 on 1 with Benzema, and Cabaye hit the crossbar with a shot, but the French didn't find their goal until the 79th minute. A corner kick wasn't dealt with by Enyeama, and Pogba looped his header into the goal (http://gfycat.com/GrossTartGnu). The French were in complete control of the game after that point and if it weren't for Enyeama, Nigeria would have been down by a lot more than 1. In the 94th minute the French got the goal that ended the game. A short corner was dribbled in by Valbuena, whose low cross was hit in by Yobo for an own goal (http://gfycat.com/CleanBruisedFiddlercrab). France advance to the round of 8 to play Germany.

Germany vs Algeria

Most people probably thought this match would be a walkover for Germany, but it ended up being a battle against the Algerians. Algeria came out with the perfect game plan against the Germans, and in the first half they probably looked like the better team. The Germans took hold of the game as the second half went on, but neither teams' effort produced any goals in regulation. Just 2 minutes into extra time, the Germans found the opener through substitute, Andre Schurrle. A run down the left hand side by Muller resulted in a driven cross towards goal, which was back heeled by Schurrle into the far post (http://gfycat.com/SourShockedGrassspider). Algeria now had 28 minutes to find the goal they couldn't find for the first 92. They threw everything forward but struggled to create opportunities against the German defense. Instead of Algeria tying it up, the Germans added a second goal. In the 120th minute, a shot by Schurrle was deflected into the path of Ozil, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net, effectively ending the game (http://gfycat.com/DimwittedSlightEyra). The Algerians didn't go quietly. Just a minute later they got the goal they deserved for their effort in this match. A good passing move ended in a cross to the back post, where Djabou scored with a sliding effort (http://gfycat.com/EvergreenInstructiveCopperhead). The Germans survived the fight with the Algerians and won the right to play France in the quarterfinals. 

The Dutch Win it Late, Costa Rica Outlast Greece

Mexico vs Netherlands

The Dutch came into the game tied for the most goals in the tournament. Their attack force looked unstoppable at times in their opening matches, but in this game the attack wasn't clicking. Mexico dominated the first half of the game, but they couldn't find the back of the net. At halftime the Netherlands only had 1 shot. The Mexicans were the better team and in the 48th minute Giovani Dos Santos put them into the lead. He picked up the ball in between 3 defenders in the middle of the field, and lined his shot back across the keeper from 25 yards out. The shot beat the keeper and found the side netting (http://gfycat.com/SadAnotherCarp). After allowing the opening goal, the Netherlands woke up. Mexico was pushed back onto their heels as the Dutch came after the equalizer. The Netherlands were able to create a lot of half chances, mostly through Robben, but nothing was going in for them. The game should have been tied in the 57th minute, when Blind's point blank shot was saved incredibly by Ochoa (http://gfycat.com/FavorableDeterminedHuemul). As the game went on, it just seemed like it wasn't their day. They needed at least 1 goal to stay alive. In the 76th minute Huntelaar came on for Robin Van Persie. The substitution would end up being the deciding factor in the match. In the 88th minute Huntelaar headed down a corner right into the path of Wesley Sneijder. After not performing up to his standards in the first 3 games, Sneijder silenced his critics. He rifled his shot into the near post, past Ochoa, and gave the Netherlands salvation (http://gfycat.com/QuarterlyHorribleAlbatross). The prospect of playing an additional 30 minutes wasn't something the Dutch wanted to do, they wanted to find the winner in regulation. In 2nd half stoppage time Arjen Robben won a penalty for the Netherlands. His work rate had been tremendous all game long, and his speed and quick feet coaxed Rafa Marquez into the challenge that led to the penalty (http://gfycat.com/FormalWellmadeAmericanlobster). Huntelaar stepped up to the spot, sent Ochoa the wrong way, and slotted the ball into the left side of the net (http://gfycat.com/OpenRevolvingHawaiianmonkseal). The Netherlands road wasn't stopping in the round of 16, but the Mexicans were knocked out in the second round for the 6th time in a row. The Dutch will go onto to face the winner of the Costa Rica vs Greece match.

Costa Rica vs Greece

The most unlikely round of 16 match-up in this World Cup turned out to be one of the most dramatic of the tournament. Both teams defend first, attack second. The Greeks were able to prevent the Costa Ricans from creating any real chances, but they weren't able to produce much going forward themselves. In a game of such few chances it seemed like the Greeks were heading home after the 52nd minute. A hole in the Greek defense left Bryan Ruiz with acres of space atop the Greek box. He received a pass from the left and cooly passed the ball into the side netting (http://gfycat.com/CoordinatedSatisfiedAtlasmoth). The shot seemed to travel in slow motion as it rolled towards the far post. The Greeks now had to take the game to the Ticos, but against the stern Costa Rican defense it was always going to be tough to score. The Greeks were given a lifeline in the 66th minute, Duarte was sent off for the Costa Ricans after getting his second yellow card of the match. From that point on it was all Greece. The Costa Rican defense was under siege for the final half hour of the match, but they held firm. The Greeks just couldn't find the equalizer. In first minute of stoppage time the chance finally came for the Greeks. A long ball was flicked on to Gekas whose initally shot was saved well be Navas, but the rebound fell straight to Sokratis who smashed it home from 8 yards out (http://gfycat.com/BestEmotionalHorsemouse). The goal pushed the game into extra time and eventually to penalties. Both teams took exceptional penalties but Navas was able to get his hands on Gekas' spot kick and the Costa Ricans advanced to the quarterfinals 5-3 on penalty kicks (http://gfycat.com/ViciousMasculineArkshell).  

Knockout Stage Day #2

Day 2 of the knockout stages includes matches between Mexico and the Netherlands at 11:00, and Costa Rica vs Greece at 3:00. The winners of these two matches will go on to play each other in the quarterfinals.

Mexico vs Netherlands

Mexico come into this game unbeaten so far in this World Cup, and they have looked better and better each game. They started off the competition with a 1-0 win over Cameroon, followed by a 0-0 tie to Brazil, and a 3-1 win over Croatia. Memo Ochoa has been one of the best goalies in the tournament so far, and if he continues his current run of form Mexico will be tough to beat. Mexico's offense, led by Giovani Dos Santos, Oribe Peralta, and Javier Hernandez is capable of scoring goals against any team, but the Dutch will be their toughest challenge yet. Mexico will need to score goals in order to keep up with the offensive fire power of the Netherlands. If Mexico wants to win this game they will have to be incredibly disciplined across their back-line. The Dutch have scored most of their goals off of long balls and quick counter attacks. If Mexico's defense isn't switched on for the entire game, the Dutch are going to exploit the holes. 

The Netherlands come into this game having won all 3 of their group stage matches. They routed Spain 5-1 in the opener, then went on to beat Australia 3-2, and Chile 2-0. They have looked like one of the tournament's elite teams. Led by Arjen Robben, Robin Van Persie, and Wesley Sneijder, the Oranje have the most potent attacking force in the competition. Both Van Persie and Robben have 3 goals so far in the tournament. The defense may not have any recognizable names for the casual fan, but it can get the job done. Especially when they know that they have outlet passes to the fastest man in football, Arjen Robben. Robben can create chances purely due to his speed. Combined with his world class shot, he is one of the most dangerous players at the World Cup. If he isn't scoring, he is creating opportunities for Van Persie, who is one of the best strikers in the world. The Dutch will look run at the Mexican defense and slide a few past Ochoa. 

Game Prediction:

I think the Dutch attack force will be too much for the Mexicans too cope with. If Mexico allows an early goal the game will be extremely difficult to bring back. If they throw numbers forward the speed of the Dutch attack will catch them out of position. Mexico will come out defensive and look to keep the Dutch out of the net for the first 60 minutes. After that point, if its still tied, they will begin search for the winning goal. The Netherlands will pick and choose their moments to attack, and I think they put up a few goals against this Mexican defense. 

Score Prediction:

Netherlands 3 Mexico 1

Greece vs Costa Rica

Greece qualified for the round of 16 in dramatic fashion with a 93rd minute winner against Ivory Coast. The 2-1 win against the Ivory Coast, combined with their 0-0 draw with Japan, was enough to send them through the group stage. The Greeks playing boring, dirty football, but it works for them. They will sit back and defend for their lives, and look to score off of a Costa Rican error, or on a set piece. Greece doesn't allow teams to get near their goal. Any match Greece is involved in will get chippy and might lull you to sleep, but this same style of play won them the 2004 European Championships, and has gotten them out of the group stage for the first time in their history. The Greeks have a great chance to advance into the quarterfinals, coming up against what many believe to be one of the weakest teams left in the tournament. 

Costa Rica have been the cinderella of the tournament. The small Central American side navigated its way to the top of a group featuring 3 teams all with at least 1 world cup title. They defeated Uruguay 3-1, Italy 1-0, and drew with England 0-0. They play with the swagger and confidence of a team that has won before, but this is only their second time ever in the round of 16 at a world cup. Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz have willed this team into the elimination round and look to make history in this world cup. Costa Rica plays exciting football on the attacking end, and their defense is difficult to break down. This is the first time in this tournament where they aren't the heavy underdogs, some even see them as favorites. I think it will be a tough match up against a Greek team that loves to defend. 

Game Prediction:

I think that this will be Costa Rica's toughest game, despite it being against the weakest team they have faced so far. Greece's style of play is one that I think Costa Rica will have trouble with. Costa Rica love to catch the other team on the counter, but the Greeks don't often attack in numbers. The Greeks will look to score on set pieces and quick breaks, they won't leave the gaps that Costa Rica loves to exploit. This game, between 2 counter attack minded teams, will be interesting to watch but I think that Costa Rica's run ends today at the hands of the Greeks.

Score Prediction:

Greece 1 Costa Rica 0

Colombia and Brazil Survive

Brazil vs Chile

In Brazil's opening 3 matches they struggled to get off to quick starts. In this match the Brazilians came out with intensity and found the opener after just 18 minutes. Neymar's corner kick was flicked on by Thiago Silva towards the back post, where David Luis was waiting to turn the ball in (http://gfycat.com/FarFluidIndianglassfish). His first World Cup goal gave Brazil the early lead they were looking for, against a Chilean side who looked to his them on the counter. After the goal Brazil seemed to be in control of the game. Brazil weren't able to break Chile down and grab another, but their high defensive intensity kept Chile from getting any clear cut chances, until the 32nd minute that is. Marcelo took a throw deep inside his own half to Hulk. Hulk's weak back pass was picked off by Vargas, who found Sanchez alone in the box. Sanchez's shot to the far post wasn't powerful, but the placement beat Julio Cesar and tied the game up at 1-1 (http://gfycat.com/OptimalPastelBittern). After the goal Chile came into the game more. Brazil looked shocked, and their play fell off dramatically. Chile's goal silenced the crowd and put Brazil on their heels. The second half was dominated by Chile, who looked the more likely to go on and find a winner. Brazil looked sloppy and disjoint during the 2nd half. Neymar disappeared, and the only player who was creating any chances was Hulk. Despite a lack luster performance the Brazilians were able to survive until penalties, thanks to an absolutely heroic performance from Julio Cesar. The Brazilians were able to keep their nerve better than the Chileans, who put in an effort deserving of a win. The shootout ended 3-2 to Brazil and they march on to play Colombia in the quarter-finals (http://gfycat.com/OptimalPastelBittern). 

Colombia vs Uruguay

Colombia came into the game looking like one of the top teams in the competition, and they didn't disappoint in this match. Uruguay were without Luis Suarez up front and without him they really struggled to create any kind of offense. Colombia dominated the entire game, and in the 28th minute James Rodriguez scored one of the goals of the tournament. He brought the ball down out of the air with his chest and hit the ball on the volley from about 25 yards out. His strike beat the goalkeeper and bounced in off of the crossbar (http://gfycat.com/YearlyFabulousCaiman). The break through goal always looked like it would be enough to beat Uruguay, who really struggled to create clear cut opportunities. When James doubled the Colombian lead with his 5th goal of the tournament, the game was put out of reach. In the 50th minute, a floated ball to the back post from Armero was headed smartly, back across the goal and James was left with a simple tap in (http://gfycat.com/EarnestWateryCopperbutterfly). The Colombians played Uruguay off the field and set themselves up for a date with Brazil in the quarterfinals. 

Knockout Stages Day 1

The knockout games begin today with Brazil vs Chile at 11:00, followed by Colombia vs Uruguay at 3:00. Starting today none of the games can end in a tie. If a game is tied at the end of 90 minutes, the teams will play 2 additional halves of 15 minutes. If they are still tied after those 30 minutes, they will head to a penalty kick shootout.

Brazil vs Chile

Brazil come into the game unbeaten so far in the World Cup. They won 2 of their group stage matches, against Cameroon and Croatia, and drew their game against Mexico. The favorites haven't lost a home game in a competitive match for nearly 40 years, but they are going to have their hands full against Chile. Neymar's 4 goals are tied for the top in the tournament and he has been the catalyst for his Brazilian side, who has struggled at times in this tournament, especially at the beginning of games. They will look to control the ball and attack with speed. They have wingers with pace, midfielders with vision, and defenders with strength. Brazil haven't looked their best in this tournament, but they have the caliber of players that can beat anybody. 

Chile finished the group stage with 2 wins and 1 loss. They beat Spain and Australia, but fell to the Netherlands. They have never beaten Brazil in a World Cup, but this Chilean side is good enough to give Brazil a run for their money. Chile's frontmen, Sanchez and Vargas, will look to counter attack with pace and power. Arturo Vidal, Chile's main man in the midfield, will try to dictate the play and pick out the runs of his forwards, but with him not at full health Chile will struggle in the middle of the park. Chile will come out and play defensive in order to prevent an early deficit. If they concede 1st this game will be difficult for them to bring back.

Game Prediction:

Brazil will have a majority of the ball in this game. They will pick their moments to burst forward; Their forwards have the speed to exploit small holes in the Chilean defense. Chile will try to attack on the counter, but Brazil have the superior players at almost every position. It will take precise movement and passing in order to breakdown the Brazilian defense. The game will be chippy, both South American sides want to perform well in their home continent, and the intensity will be extremely high in this match. I think that Brazil will pull this game out, but Chile has a real chance of winning. If Brazil doesn't start the game strong, Chile will get more confidence as the game goes on. If Chile scores first they put all the pressure onto Brazil, thats their best chance of winning.

Score Prediction:

Brazil 2 Chile 1

Colombia vs Uruguay

Colombia come into the game looking like one of the most impressive teams in the competition. They won all three of their group games, against Greece, Ivory Coast, and Japan, and won them convincingly. Their attack has looked fluid and dangerous. James Rodriguez has probably been the best player of the tournament so far, his 3 goals and 2 assists put him among the top attackers. His teammate on the opposite wing, Jean Cuadrado has looked equally as dangerous. His 1 goal and 3 assists have helped Colombia top group C. Colombia's defense is their weak point, but that's partly because every other position is filled with skilled players. Their forwards are quick and powerful, their midfielders are creative and tricky. Playing in their home continent, Colombia look to be a serious threat to make a deep cup run.

Uruguay needed a win in their final group game against Italy in order to qualify for the knockout stages. They got it but they lost star man Luis Suarez in the process. Suarez was banned for 9 international games, as well as 4 months of football of any kind for his bite on Italian defender, Giorgio Chiellini. In Uruguay's first game against Costa Rica they were without Suarez due to injury, and they were routed 3-1. Without him in the line-up they look uninspired and robotic. Their defense is strong, but going forward they lack a spark. Edison Cavani will have to carry the goal scoring load for Uruguay; He's more than capable of scoring goals, but he needs chances, which have been few and far between for the Uruguayans. If Uruguay want to beat Colombia, they are going to have to score goals without Suarez. If they perform like they did against Costa Rica they won't stand a chance against the Colombians. 

Game Prediction:

I think Colombia are the better team between the 2. Even without a superstar player they have looked like one of the strongest teams in the tournament. They attack in numbers and their midfielders work hard on both sides of the ball. Uruguay will have their hands full against this dangerous Colombian side. I don't think either team will dominate the game, I think it'll be an open match that will be determined by who can create more chances in the final third. Colombia will be tested in this match, but if they play like they have in their first 3 matches, I think they come out on top.

Score Prediction:

Colombia 3 Uruguay 2

Magic Messi Strikes Again, Shaqiri Hat Trick Puts Swiss Through

Argentina vs Nigeria

Argentina came into the game already having qualified for the next round. Nigeria could cement their place as well with a win or a draw in this match. They could also advance with a loss if Iran lose as well. The game started off with a bang . Just 3 minutes into the match Angel Di Maria sprinted down the left side and his shot bounced off the goalie then the post, the rebound fell to Messi who smashed the ball into the roof of the net (http://gfycat.com/BigheartedUnripeHog). Just a minute later a quick attack by Nigeria led to the tying goal. Musa on the left hand side of the box curled his shot to the back post, around the keeper and into the side netting (http://gfycat.com/WeeJollyKinkajou). The game continued on with most of the chances falling to Argentina. In first half stoppage time Messi made the Africans pay from a set piece. From about 25 yards out, and slightly off center, Messi placed his free kick just inside the right post and past the keeper (http://gfycat.com/CheerfulTornEasternnewt). 2 minutes into the second half Musa got another for Nigeria. He found a hole in the defense and received the ball at the top of the box. 1 on 1 with the keeper he got the goalie leaning the wrong way with a fake shot, and cooly slid the ball into the near post (http://gfycat.com/ImmaterialSpiffyFlounder). In the 50th minute Rojo rose up to meet a corner kick and headed the ball past the keeper to restore the Argentine's lead (http://gfycat.com/ScaredDevotedFiddlercrab). Argentina's win keeps them atop the group, and matches them up with Switzerland in the next game. The loss ended up not meaning anything for Nigeria because Iran lost to Bosnia. Nigeria advances as the 2nd place team in the group and they will play France in the next round.

Bosnia vs Iran

Bosnia came into the came already having been eliminated from the competition. Iran needed a win, combined with a Nigerian loss in order to advance. This game was always going to be tough for the Iranians. They hadn't scored a goal coming into this game, and they were coming up against a side that wanted to come away with at least 1 win from this World Cup. After just 23 minutes the Bosnians took the lead. Dzeko found just a little bit of space atop the box and he rifled a left footed shot past the keeper (http://gfycat.com/CloseIndelibleFeline). The first half concluded without any other major action. In the 59th minute a bad giveaway led to another goal by the Bosnians. An incisive pass found Pjanic who finished it with a shot to the far post (http://gfycat.com/LeanSoulfulBanteng). In the 82nd minute lazy defending by the Europeans led to an Iranian opener. A big ball over the defense found an Iranian player whose quick cross back across the goal was turned in by Ghoochannejhad (http://gfycat.com/SnarlingEvenKouprey). Bosnia put the game out of reach just a minute later. A quick counter down the right side led to a chance for Vrsajevic. His shot to the back post beat the keeper and bounced in off the woodwork (http://gfycat.com/RigidImmaculateIceblueredtopzebra). The Bosnians were going home with their first ever world cup win. Iran with the loss were knocked out of the tournament.

Switzerland vs Honduras

The Swiss needed a win in order to assure themselves a spot in the next round. Going up against a weak Honduras side, who had already been eliminated, Switzerland shouldn't have had any trouble, and they didn't. Shaqiri started off the game with a wonderstrike after just 6 minutes. He cut in from the right and his left footed shot to the far post found the top corner (http://gfycat.com/WhichKlutzyIndianpangolin). 25 minutes later the Swiss scored again. Shaqiri sprinted down the middle of the field, received the ball, and put his shot just inside the far post (http://gfycat.com/WateryWhimsicalDeinonychus). It was too easy for the Swiss against a Honduran side, who looked like they just wanted to go home. Shaqiri got his hat-trick in the 71st minute. He found space in the middle of the box and his 1 touch finish slid by the keeper (http://gfycat.com/AlertSophisticatedBettong). It is the second hat-trick this World Cup and it ensured the Swiss a spot in the next round where they will play Argentina. 

France vs Ecuador

France needed just a point to guarantee themselves the top spot in group E. Ecuador needed a win to give themselves a chance, but it wouldn't for sure put them through. The match had a lot of shots but neither team could find a breakthrough. Things took a turn for the worse for Ecuador, when Antonio Valencia was shown a red card for stomping on the leg of a French player (https://vine.co/v/MtDEW5tB7Qx). After the red card Ecuador retreated into a shell. The French came at them but never were able to manufacture a goal. The 0-0 result knocked out Ecuador and kept France atop group E. France will play Nigeria in their round of 16 game.

Group E Final Standing

Group F Final Standings