France confirmed their place at the top of Group E after playing out a 0-0 draw with Ecuador in the Maracana.
The French were virtually assured of progression barring a huge goal-swing, but a win for Ecuador would have given them a real chance of making the last 16.
A frantic encounter in Rio de Janeiro ended without a goal – but it was not down to a lack of chances with both sides missing good chances, whilst Ecuador also played most of the second half with 10 men when captain Antonio Valencia was sent-off just after the interval.
Meanwhile, Xherdan Shaqiri netted a clinical hat-trick as Switzerland beat Honduras 3-0 to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.
Shaqiri scored twice in a dominant first-half Swiss display and while Honduras rallied after the break, the talented Bayern Munich midfielder put the result beyond doubt with 19 minutes left to play.
France’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador means they go through as group winners and earn a kinder draw against Nigeria in the next round.
Argentina will be favourites for the last-16 tie but Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side will take great confidence from an impressive counter-attacking performance in which Shaqiri and Josip Drmic caused problems throughout. – Sky Sports.