French fly as Swiss stumble

Former champions France thrashed Switzerland 5-2 in Salvador, Brazil, on Friday to surge closer to World Cup last 16. Goals from Olivier Giroud, Blaise Matuidi, Mathieu Valbuena, Karim Benzema and Moussa Sissoko gave rampant France a thumping victory as the 1998 champs ran riot. Switzerland scored consolation goals through Blerim Dzemaili and Granit Xhaka but Les Bleus now look all but certain to win Group E. France will have to wait until next week’s final round of games to formally seal their 2nd round berth after Ecuador came from behind to beat Honduras 2-1. France’s earlier victory came four years to the day after the anniversary of the French squad’s infamous strike at the South Africa World Cup. But the acrimony and discord of 2010 was a long distant memory as France tore Switzerland to shreds with an exhibition of attacking teamwork. France coach Didier Deschamps, the captain of his country's 1998 World Cup triumph, said he saw similarities in team spirit amongst his squad. France are one of the few European teams to have shone so far in Brazil and there was more woe for the continent’s contingent on Friday as Italy slumped to defeat against Costa Rica in Group D, according to AFP.