South American countries have thrived in the group stage so far in Brazil, with all participants up to date having qualified for the round of 16. Today’s results from Groups E and F provided the first country from the host continent to be eliminated from the tournament.
Group E
Before the ball began to roll the group had various possible endings with France, Ecuador and Switzerland all still fighting for a spot in the next round.
France had the upper hand needing just a tie to ensure qualification, but could still advance with a Swiss tie or loss. Switzerland and Ecuador could advance by besting each other’s performance since they began the day tied at three points each.
Switzerland met eliminated Honduras in Manaus and took care of what they could control. Xherdan Shaqiri got the second hat-trick of the tournament and led the Swiss team to a 3-0 victory that would be enough to put the Europeans through to next round.
In Maracana, France and Ecuador played to a scoreless draw. Aided by the sending off of Ecuadorian midfielder Antonio Valencia in the 50th minute, the French controlled the game from start to finish outshooting the opposition 21-12.
The result ensured the first place of the group to France while making Ecuador the first and only South American country not to make it through to the round of 16.
Group F
In what was an exciting back and forth match that included five goals, the Argentines got their third straight win in beating Nigeria 3-2. Messi scored his third and fourth goal of the tournament in the first half and the second coming off a free-kick.
Nigeria still advanced into the second round thanks to the Iranian defeat at the hands of already eliminated Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Bosnians, who felt robbed after two controversial calls in their last match against Nigeria, were completely superior to the Iranians.
Goals by Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic put the Bosnians ahead. Iran’s Reza Ghoochannejhad shortened the gap, but just minutes later Avdija Vrsajevic scored to put the final score at 3-1.
Argentina, winner of the group, will face Group E second place team Switzerland on Tuesday. Nigeria will face Group E winner France on Monday morning.
Luis Gonzalez may be reached at [email protected]
