Tie sends France through, Equador out

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 25 (AFP): Ten-man Ecuador held France to a 0-0 draw at the Maracana on Wednesday but Didier Deschamps' side still topped Group E to progress to a last-16 tie against Nigeria.
Through luck, determination, bad finishing and brilliant goalkeeping by Alexander Dominguez, Ecuador resisted even after captain and Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia was ordered off early in the second half for a studs up challenge on Lucas Digne.
The result was disappointing for Deschamps but was enough to take first place with seven points and the easier of the possible second-round ties next Monday.
Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda was left to lament the sending-off of his captain as his team came up just short.
"There is nothing to be done about it now but we lost an important player in our structure," said the Colombian.
"Various refereeing decisions went against us and it was difficult to hold on for a draw but the players showed great character."