France vs Ecuador: What can we expect - Preview and Prediction

France takes on Ecuador in the final round clash of group E. France are clear favourites to win the tie and bag the full 9 points from the group stage. On the other hand Ecuador will be desperate to snatch at least a point and hope they qualify for the next round.

Venue

Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho, popularly known as the Maracana, was built for the 1950 World Cup. It is one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. Maracana once boasted a capacity of nearly 200,000 but now it has been reduced to 74,738. It is still the largest stadium in Brazil.

Kickoff Time

June 21 – 1.30 am – Indian Standard Time (IST)

June 20 – 5.00 pm - Local Time

Possible Starting Line ups

Didier Deschamps had opted for a slightly different team in the last game against Switzerland. He had fielded two of his strikers, Giroud and Benzema and replace Pogba with Sissoko. His changes actually proved to be a success as France crushed their opponents 5-2. In all probability the French coach would keep the winning combination unchanged.

France (4-3-2-1): Lloris; Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra; Sissoko, Matuidi, Cabaye; Valbuena, Benzema Giroud

Ecuador coach, Renaldo Rueda would surely want to secure at least a point from this match or else their hope of qualifying to the next round would be thrashed. He would most likely keep the starting XI unchanged from the game game against Honduras.

Ecuador (4-2-3-1): Dominguez; Paredes, Guagua, Erazo, Ayovi; Minda, Noboa; A. Valencia, Caicedo, Montero; E. Valencia

Key Facts

France scored their 100th World Cup goal when they got their first against Switzerland on Friday. Their tally stands at 104.
Of the three goals Ecuador have scored this World Cup, two have come from set plays.
France have averaged 4 goals per game so far this World Cup.
Benzema has played a hand in 5 of France’s 8 goals (3 goals and 2 assists).
France and Ecuador have faced each other just once – a 2-0 win for the French back in 2008 – only one player features in this squad from that match; Patrice Evra.

Key Battles

Enner Valencia vs Mamadou Sakho

Ecuador’s Enner Valencia is having a marvellous tournament so far. He too is among the top scorers in the tournament with a tally of 3 goals in 2 games. He shows great energy on the field and is quite dangerous in front of the goal. French defender Sakho is also performing impressively and has the duty of marking this young striker from Ecuador in today’s game.

Karim Benzema vs Juan Carlos Paredes

Benzema is among the top goal scorers in this year’s World Cup. After scoring a brace in their inaugural match, Benzema found the back of the net once again against the Swiss. The Real Madrid striker is looking extremely dangerous and is a game changer on his own. Ecuador’s Paredes had a great game in the last match against Honduras. It will be Paredes’ responsibility to keep the dangerous looking Benzema in check.

Prediction

Les Bleus are on a dream run. They have already scored 8 goals in 2 matches with a goal difference of +6 in their favour. Considering the fact that they had pumped in 5 goals against a formidable Swiss defence, it is expected that France will comfortably beat Ecuador and qualify with full 9 points to the round of 16.

Predicted Score-line: France 3-1 Ecuador

Match Officials

On-field Referee: Noumandiez Doue (CIV)

Assistant Referee 1: Songuifolo Yeo (CIV)

Assistant Referee 2: Jean Claude Birumushau (BDI)

Fourth Official: Bjorn Kuipers (NED)