This evening at the World Cup in Brazil, Groups E and F will draw to a conclusion. Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at all the permutations from the four matches.
GROUP E
Ecuador vs. France (9pm)
Honduras vs. Switzerland (9pm)
Having lost Franck Ribery to injury on the eve of the tournament, some thought that France might struggle without their talisman. They've blown that theory out of the water, though, with just a point separating Les Bleus from a guaranteed place in the knockout stages. Even if they were to lose to Ecuador, their positive goal difference of +6 means that it would take a hugely dramatic swing for Didier Deschamps's men not to advance. As for the South Americans, a win will see them join France in the last 16, while anything less requires Switzerland to slip up.
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The Swiss have a worse goal difference than Ecuador, but as both teams are currently locked on three points, they will advance if they better their result against Honduras. The Central Americans can also still qualify, but that would require them beating the Swiss and France overcoming Ecuador, with a four-goal swing thrown in for good measure.
GROUP F
Bosnia vs. Iran (5pm)
Nigeria vs. Argentina (5pm)
Two wins from two have seen Argentina secure their presence in the last 16 with a game to spare. However, there is still plenty to play for against the Nigerians in Porto Alegre. With Nigeria on four points, the winner will finish top and avoid a likely encounter with free-scoring France, with the draw in favour of the Argentines.
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Meanwhile, Iran will be big Argentina supporters. If they are to advance, they must beat Bosnia and hope that Alejandro Sabella's men defeat Nigeria, with at least a two-goal alteration in goal difference required. Sadly for Bosnia, this will be their last encounter in Brazil, regardless of the result. The debutants have lost both of their two games, so can finish no higher than third in the standings.
Liam Apicella
