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France wins group after playing to scoreless draw with Ecuador

26 June 2014 01:57 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. It was never a certainty that Ecuador was going to get points out of this game; but it was certainly expected that one side would at least score, APA reports.

France and Ecuador played to a scoreless draw Wednesday, which sent the French through as winners of Group E and Ecuador home.

Switzerland, who tallied six points in the group after victory over Honduras, is also through.

The French had a pile of chances, especially after Antonio Valencia was sent off for a reckless challenge. Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema dominated the midfield, but none of their tries found paydirt.

It was surprising, given the way France has scored at will throughout the tournament. Ecuador managed a few chances, as well, but the French defense was too strong.

France will face Nigeria in each team's first game of the knockout stage.