Group E was won by France who knew a point would be enough to see them top the group and face the runner up from Group F going into the game with Ecuador.
And a point they got. But it was a controversial one, with Ecuador’s captain Antonio Valencia sent off somewhat harshly, leaving his side hamstrung. The scoreless draw sealed top spot for Didier Deschamps’ revamped side (and they’re emerging as genuine World Cup contenders).
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s Xherdan Shaqiri scored a brilliant hat-trick as Switzerland sealed their place in the round of 16 at Ecuador’s expense.
The wooden spoon went to Honduras.
In Group F, the star of the show was, surprise surprise, one Lionel Messi – he grabbed a brace as Argentina won 3-2 to match Neymar’s record of four goals in three games so far. It was Messi’s best display of the tournament so far, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi describing the Barcelona star as “blessed” and “from Jupiter”.
Although defeated Nigeria progressed virtue of an already eliminated Bosnia-Herzegovina beating a poor Iran side 3-1.
Away from the pitch, the Suarez bite saga continues after Fifa’s independent disciplinary panel looking into the incident failed to reach a verdict.
(Oh, and one fan – ONE – turned up to welcome the England team home after their early exit.)
Images via Getty
