John:, external Swiss clubs have slowly been progressing in club competitions with some decent local players. They could be awkward enough to beat.

John Hartson
BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, Epa

"Switzerland have not got going and I think that is to do with Ecuador. They have gone for them and got in their faces and had a few chances. Switzerland boss Ottmar Hitzfeld does not look worried though, I think he is the coolest man in the ground right now."

Stephane Lichtsteiner looks to be Switzerland's best attacking outlet in the opening moments, rampaging forward again, but then letting himself down with the end product.

Then, Swiss midfielder Granit Xharka spanks an ambitious effort over the Ecuadorian bar from long range. Better from the Swiss.

Image source, Reuters

There have been plenty of goals in the opening three days - but I'm already worried about this game. When the Mexican Wave starts after 10 minutes then you know you could be in trouble.

Switzerland conceded few goals in qualifying - conceded the lowest goals-per-game ratio of any other European group winner - but appear to lack cutting edge.

John Hartson
BBC Radio 5 live

"I did see that Sepp Blatter got a few boos when the camera cut to him in his seat. I don't think he liked it."

David in Moray: I fancy Switzerland to be the surprise entity of this World Cup. Hope I haven't put the kybosh on their aspirations now.

Finally, the Swiss enjoy a decent spell of possession as right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner, part of Juventus's Italian title-winning side, bursts down the Ecuadorian flank. But he cannot pick out a team-mate from the byeline as Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez gathers.

Switzerland struggling to get hold of the ball in the opening moments as Ecuador make an energetic start. Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio is alert to scoop up a 30-yard fee-kick, before Jefferson Montero runs another Ecuadorian corner, taken short, out of play.

John Hartson
BBC Radio 5 live

"Switzerland will certainly believe they can finish second to France in this group but I don't think they can underestimate this Ecuador side.

"Ecuador are going through a bit of adversity, they lost Christian Benitez, who died just under a year ago and they will certainly be looking to play with a lot of pride and passion for their friend."

Early opportunity for Ecuador as the South Americans start on the front front. They win a corner, conceded by the brilliantly-named Steve von Bergen, which the Swiss head clear.

QPR midfielder Joey Barton:, external Looking forward to watching this exciting young Swiss side. Xhaka and Shaqiri my ones to watch. Those looking for a Dark Horse pay attention.

Switzerland's former number one tennis player Roger Federer, who has just won his seventh Gerry Weber Open title, on Twitter:, external Got the win in Halle, so happy with the week so far! Got doubles finals during the Swiss soccer game!!"

Image source, Getty Images

National anthem time as the Swiss blast their way through the 'Swiss Psalm' - which will be binned later this year. A competition to find a new national anthem that better reflects 'modern-day Switzerland' is being run until the end of the month. Fifa president Sepp Blatter is there inside a sparsely-populated stadium to support his homeland Switzerland.

Both sets of players are standing in the Estadio Nacional tunnel, looking steely-eyed and focused. It's a long walk down a flight of concrete steps to the tunnel - watch your step lads. We don't want any pre-kick-off slips.

Richard in Swansea: The Swiss may not have superstar individuals but they are a team that play for the flag and that's a big plus.

Switzerland boss Ottmar Hitzfeld has made arguably his biggest call in central defence, where Hamburg's former Arsenal centre-back Johan Djourou starts.

Djourou has been given the nod ahead of Basel's Fabian Schar as Hitzfeld looks to counter the threat of former Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo, Ecuador's seven-goal top scorer in qualifying.

Midfielder Cristhian Noboa has overcome a muscle injury to make the Ecuador line-up for coach Reinaldo Rueda, whose main selection dilemma was in goal.

Alexander Dominguez, who has recovered from a broken finger, starts instead of Maximo Banguera, in the only change to the side that began the recent friendly against England in Miami.

Robert Arnold:, external Ecuador looked strong against England and have lots of physical stamina to do well in this group.

Simon Speake:, external interesting to see if Switzerland have caught the WC vibe and go on the attack. Rodriquez, looks like a good prospect at LB.

For those of you whose teenage years were in the 1990s, then the word Ecuador will likely stir memories of the 1997 dance classic by Sash. Who knew shouting Ecuador several times over would make for an international best seller?

More importantly, we want to know what threat the Ecuadorians pose on the football pitch - not the dancefloor. Four members of Reinaldo Rueda's 23-man squad ply their trade in Europe, with eight home-based players also making the cut.

Image source, AP

Manchester United's Antonio Valencia is the most familiar name, although plenty of you might recall his namesake Enner Valencia (no relation) causing some bother for England's defence to deal with in Miami last week.

Escaping the South American qualifying stage has historically been a tough task for Ecuador, with the imposing shadows of rivals Brazil, Argentina and Colombia looming large.

So Brazil's automatic qualification as the host nation helped their cause considerably - and they didn't let their opportunity go begging. Just.

Reinaldo Rueda's men were second in the South American standings after 10 matches, but only won one of their last six qualifiers to set up a nervy finish. Crucially, that victory came in their penultimate qualifier - against nearest rivals Uruguay - and sealed the fourth and final automatic qualification spot.