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Sissoko Helps France Top Table
Written by Newcastle Utd
Moussa Sissoko was handed another starting role as France topped Group E of the World Cup
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Moussa Sissoko was handed another starting role as France topped Group E of the World Cup with a goalless draw against Ecuador on Wednesday night.
The Newcastle United star was deployed wide on the right of a three-man forward line but it was a low-key performance from a much-changed Les Bleus side, which saw Mathieu Debuchy fail to make it off the substitutes' bench.
Sissoko sent a volley straight at Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez, while former Magpie Loic Remy also went close to breaking the deadlock, along with Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema.
But despite captain Antonio Valencia given a straight red card for their opponents early in the second half, France were unable to make the most of their numerical advantage and had to settle for a point.
It was, however, enough for them to finish at the summit of their group and set up a last 16 meeting with Shola Ameobi's Nigeria in Brasilia on Monday.