France all but secured progress to the last-16 with their exhilarating win over Switzerland, and man-of-the-match Karim Benzema wants to see more of the same against Ecuador.
Les Bleus followed-up victory in their Group E opener against Honduras with a 5-2 defeat of Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side in Salvador on Friday.
Didier Deschamps’ men were three ahead at half-time thanks to Olivier Giroud, Blaise Matuidi and Mathieu Valbuena, with Benzema and Moussa Sissoko extending that lead before Blerim Dzemaili and Granit Xhaka grabbed late consolation goals.
France have netted eight goals in their two matches and Benzema, who provided two assists on top of his goal, says they must continue to build momentum as they near the knock-out stages.
“We’re very pleased with the performance and we’ll try to repeat it against Ecuador,” the Real Madrid striker said. “I enjoyed the match, but when we get awards such as this one, it’s down to the efforts of the team.”
Benzema has been one of the stars of the tournament so far, with his three goals putting him joint-top of the scoring charts.
“I’m happy and proud,” he said. “It was a big game, we scored goals, we played as a team. We had heart to win that game.
“I am in my head, 100 per cent, but I can do even better. I also take the work of my teammates. It’s not me, it’s everyone.
“Even those who did not start the first game and who have returned for this one.”
Group leaders France now take on the team behind them, Ecuador, in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday, while third-placed Switzerland take on pointless Honduras.
That match will be played in the heat and humidity of Manaus – difficult conditions which Swiss captain Gokhan Inler is confident of overcoming as they look to make it out of Group E.
“To let in five goals against France is hard,” the midfielder said. “We must try to make fewer mistakes.
“It’s not over yet. It’s just a game, it is still open to the last game.
“Everyone needs to scrutinise and be critical of their performance, then we need to prepare positively for the Honduras game.”
Switzerland will be without Steve von Bergen for their final group match and has withdrawn from the squad after he broke a cheek-bone in the defeat to Les Bleus.
The Young Boys defender was accidentally kicked in the face by Olivier Giroud and will be taken back to Switzerland after going to hospital in Salvador.
“I have the deepest sympathy for Von Bergen, he’s been an important player for us,” said Swiss coach Hitzfeld.
