Xherdan Shaqiri hit a fine hat-trick as Switzerland eased past Honduras 3-0 to secure a last 16 tie with Argentina, while France will play Algeria after a tame 0-0 draw with Ecuador.

France and Ecuador was a a slow-burner to say the least, Didier Deschamps opting to make a handful of changes with his side already through to the last 16.

There were few chances in the first half, Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez flapped at a right wing cross and got just enough on the ball to deny Benzema a header in front of goal, while minutes later a strong looping header from Paul Pogba was acrobatically turned over the top by Dominguez.

Ecuador did offer attacking threat towards the end of the half, a wonderful leap by Enner Valencia — who has had a wonderful tournament — at the back post caught the French defence out, but Lloris saved well with his feet.

The second half slowly opened up and produced an end-to-end last 10 minutes, Ecuador’s Dominguez superbly denying the French on several occasions, while Ecuador themselves were reliant on the counter-attack.

Antonio Valencia was given a straight red card for a naughty two-footed challenge but France could still find no way through despite some 20 efforts at goal.

The slow start in Rio de Janiero was not replicated in Manaus were Switzerland flew in to an early lead against Honduras. A stunning left-foot shot from all of 25 yards from Xherdan Shaqiri found the top corner via the underside of the bar after just six minutes, a wonderful effort and a contender for goal of the tournament.

Shaqiri struck again to double Switzerland’s lead on 31 minutes, a quick break away by the Swiss found Shaqiri one-on-one with the keeper, and he made no mistake with a comfortable low finish in to the bottom corner.

Shaqiri’s show continued after the break as he swept home a ball from the left underneath the Honduran keeper to make it 3-0 and complete a memorable hat-trick and a resounding victory.

Photo: Action Images

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