The vagaries of FIFA's ranking system put Switzerland rather than France into the seeds pot. As it turned out, both qualified for the next round.
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Switzerland
Ecuador
Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, BrasiliaIn the first half the Swiss failed to put pressure on Ecuador's frail defence and carelessness allowed Ecuador to open the scoring in the 22nd minute. Three minutes after the break, Swiss substitute Mehmedi equalised and in the 70th minute Switzerland had a goal disallowed for offside. Then, in the third minute of added time Ecuador broke but were denied a goal by a saving tackle from Behrami. The Swiss broke upfield immediately and with the last kick of the game, Seferovic drove a low cross home from six metres. FIFA mystifyingly insisted that Ecuador change into an all blue strip although their regular yellow/blue kit would have offered a perfect contrast with the Swiss.
France
Honduras
Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto AlegreFrance became the first team to benefit from the new goal-line technology in the 48th minute, an historic moment that was initially shrouded in confusion. The referee awarded the goal while GoalControl indicated "no goal" but that was because the ball initially bounced along the line after hitting the post before striking the 'keeper and crossing the line. Honduras, already down to ten men, were "robust" but failed to trouble the French, who were outstanding and laid to rest the ghosts of South Africa 2010.
Switzerland
France
Arena Fonte Nova, SalvadorGiroud opened the scoring in the 17th minute and just 66 seconds later Matuidi added a second. Valbuena made it 3-0 five minutes before the break and in the second half, the French added two more. In the closing stages the Swiss managed to score twice to make the scoreline a little more respectable.
Honduras
Ecuador
Arena da Baixada, CuritibaOnce again a team came from behind to win the match, Valencia equalising just three minutes after Costly had put Honduras into the lead. Valencia scored again in the 65th minute and although Honduras pressed Ecuador had just enough quality to hold on to their lead.
Honduras
Switzerland
Arena da Amazônia, ManausSwitzerland powered their way into the knock out stages thanks to a hat trick from Xherdan Shaqiri.
Ecuador
France
Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de JaneiroAn ill-tempered encounter ended goal-less and put France at the top of the group. With Switzerland leading 2-0 at half time in Manaus, Ecuador had to win to progress but with the dismissal of Valencia, any chance they might have had went out of the window.