Quartet eye knockout stage

MATCHDAY PREVIEW – The action continues in Brazil with four teams victorious in their opening games vying to build on winning starts. Costa Rica were particularly impressive in their surprise success against Uruguay, racking up three goals for the first time in a FIFA World Cup™ match, and they now take on an Italy team that has scored at least once in their last 15 finals fixtures.

Elsewhere, Group E rivals Switzerland and France know each other well already. The neighbouring nations have met 36 times in the past, with Les Bleus enjoying the upper hand thanks to a record of 15 wins, nine draws and 12 defeats. France also looked more assured in their opener, making light work of Honduras, whereas the Swiss needed to dig deep to secure a late triumph against an enterprising Ecuador side. The winners of the summit meeting between the section leaders will advance if the other match ends drawn.

In that game, Honduras can expect a stiff examination from Ecuador, and will need all their defensive solidity to frustrate opponents boasting considerable attacking flair. The history books slightly favour the South Americans too, with La Tri earning three victories and seven draws from their 12 encounters.

The matches
Italy-Costa Rica (Group D), Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 13.00 (local time)
Switzerland-France (Group E), Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 16.00 (local time)
Honduras-Ecuador (Group E), Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, 19.00 (local time)