Final Scoreline for Match 25:
SWITZERLAND - 2
(Dzemaili 81', Xhaka 87')
FRANCE - 5
(Giroud 17', Matuidi 18', Valbuena 40', Benzema 67', Sissoko 73')
Crushing win for France. Had to go to bed after the first half, when France were leading 3-0 and had the Swiss completely drilled through like Swiss cheese. Twin goals within 66 seconds started the fray, and the French just kept on pressing forward since then. Even when the Swiss keeper kept out a Benzema penalty kick (a surprising moment!), France got a 3rd goal 5 minutes before the first half's whistle.
I predicted more goals in the second half, and there were four more - 2 for France and 2 for the Swiss, who tried their best to get back some, but it was a classic case of too little, too late. The Swiss keeper must be commended for saving a lot of thundering French shots, else the scoreline could have been even worse.
France are peaking at the right time. They look hungry and ruthless, two qualities which should take them far in WC 2014. Watch out, other teams!
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Final Scoreline for Match 26:
HONDURAS - 1
(Costly 31')
ECUADOR - 2
(Valencia 34', 65')
Ecuador needed this win, to keep their chances alive in the tournament. And their main forward, Enner Valencia, came to the party after they had conceded a goal in the 31st minute. A goal each in either half meant victory for their team, the first being a slider which beat the keeper, and the second a thundering header which netted home.
Even the fouls by Honduras couldn't keep them from smelling defeat yet again, and that is good because their team doesn't look talented in soccer, but talented at scoring fouls!!