France vs Ecuador Prediction – June 25
For France, it’s more a case of sophisticated shuffling, but for Ecuador, it’s all on the line in this third game of Group E. [ad-1519080]
Ecuador +140, France -170
MoneyLine: Ecuador +425, France -170, Draw +325
Over/Under: 2.5
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If Ecuador matches Switzerland’s result – be it win, lose or draw – they will move on to the final 16. This would match the nation’s best ever finish at a World Cup. France is in for sure, so the dogfight will be to see who will progress as the second team in the group alongside Les Bleues.
The oft-analyzed, oft-evaluated France has looked dominant in this tournament from the get-go. The French handled Honduras and then crushed the Swiss with a convincing 5-2 victory. Didier Deschamps’ side should be brimming with confidence right now.
There are still consequences on the line for France in this match. If they win, they will face either Iran or Nigeria in the next round. A loss would see France square off against Lionel Messi and Argentina. Clearly, the French have a vested interest in keeping its momentum going and beating Ecuador on Wednesday afternoon.
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Keep an eye on Ecuador’s Enner Valencia; he scored two goals versus Honduras and has three in the tourney thus far. He will have a nose for the net as he tries to tally one against the French powerhouse. French defenders are strong and mobile, so it won’t be easy.
France could rest some of its key players like current darling Karim Benzema or Patrice Evra, but the side has enough depth to give others some spotlight and still be dangerous. Watch out for Antoine Greizmann, who has ample pace to scare the Ecuadorian defense and Morgan Schneiderlin, who had a strong club season at Southampton and should get a chance.
Olivier Giroud and Blaise Matuidi have also looked really strong in this tournament, Ecuador can’t discount them.
The realistic goal for Ecuador should be to pull out all the stops to earn a draw. A draw in this match would almost certainly put Ecuador through to the next knock-out stage.
It might seem that little more attainable because of some French players that will be resting and out due to suspension (Yohan Cabaye won’t play for this reason).
Benzema has put on a crazy 11 shots on goal thus far in the proceedings; if he sits out the attacking assertiveness must come elsewhere.
Evra is sitting on a yellow, so his spot in the starting lineup will likely be filled by 20-year old Lucas Digne. It would be a good trial-by-fire for the youngster, which is also a managed risk.
France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been good enough, only allowing two goals against Switzerland in what was effectively garbage time, after his side carved up the Swiss surgically in the early going.
World Cup Prediction
The only time these two teams have met previously was in 2008, when France prevailed 2-0.
Les Bleues definitely have the firepower to score even if Benzema doesn’t play, but I like the desperation Ecuador will show to manifest itself in a hard-earned draw for the South Americans.
France 2, Ecuador 2
Take the OVER
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