27 Jun 2014

France and Switzerland qualify

5:14 pm on 27 June 2014

France have taken top spot in the football World Cup's group E while 10-man Ecuador were eliminated after a scoreless draw at the Maracana stadium in Rio.

Switzerland beat Honduras 3-0, took second spot and will play Argentina in the last 16 while the French will face Nigeria.

Ecuador, who had to play most of the second half with 10 men after Antonio Valencia's dismissal in the 50th minute, became the only one of the six South American sides not to progress.

France topped the group with seven points while Switzerland finished on six, Ecuador ended with four and Honduras none.

With little pressure on France, who were all but assured of a place in the second round, coach Didier Deschamps made six changes to his starting lineup.

Ecuador knew they needed a victory to have any hope of progressing but they struggled to create many opportunities.

Earlier in group F Argentina finished top after beating African champions Nigeria 3-2.

Nigeria finished second.