On the penultimate day of group fixtures, France will look to cement their spot on top of Group E with a dominant showing against Ecuador, while Honduras aim to pull off an improbable upset against the impressive Swiss. Lionel Messi, and Argentina, will be keenly watched as they take on Group F second-place contenders Nigeria, while Carlos Queiroz and his doughty Iranians will aim to open their goal-scoring account against Bosnia and pip the Nigerians to the post.
France's Patrice Evra, second left, run on the field during an official training session at the Joao Havelange Olympic stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, on Tuesday. France will play its next game against Ecuador in group E of the 2014 football World Cup. A draw is enough to guarantee top spot for France, and would also send Ecuador through to the next round if Switzerland fails to beat Honduras in the other match. AP Photo
Switzerland's midfielder Valon Behrami (2nd R) and his teammates take part in an official training session at the Amazonia Arena stadium in Manaus on Wednesday, on the eve of their group E FIFA World Cup football match against Honduras. AFP PHOTO
Honduras' players take part in an official training session at the Amazonia Arena stadium in Manaus on Wednesday, on the eve of their group E FIFA World Cup football match against Switzerland. AFP PHOTO
Iran's Portugese coach Carlos Queiroz (C) speaks with his team during their stadium visit at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador on Wednesday, on the eve of their 2014 FIFA World Cup Group F match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. AFP PHOTO
Iran's goalkeepers (from L) Alireza Haghighi, Daniel Davari and Rahman Ahmadi take part in a training session at Manoel Barradas stadium in Salvador on Wednesday, on the eve of their final group match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Iran must open their scoresheet if they are to progress to the knockout phase. AFP PHOTO
Argentina's Lionel Messi, left, seen next to head coach Alejandro Sabella during a training session at the Beira-Rio Stadium in Porto Alegre on Tuesday ahead of Argentina's final group game against Nigeria. AP PHOTO