We've seen drama and excitement throughout the group stage of the World Cup. Apart from, that is, the final Group E games on the penultimate day of the first stage. But all that matters to France and Switzerland is that they have both qualified for the second round.

The western European neighbours join 13 other teams whose names have already been written in the last-16 slots on wallcharts across the world.

Three more will join them on Thursday - with Germany and Portugal among those battling for those sacred spots. Join us for more fun. Be there or be square.

Image source, Getty Images

Think of the 2006 World Cup and you think of one star. Messi? Nope. Ronaldo? Wrong.

It was, of course, Paul the Octopus. The psychic cephalopod became a worldwide celebrity by correctly predicting the outcome of six Germany games. Unfortunately, Paul's success has led to a sea of other chancers from the animal kingdom trying their luck.

The latest is a French sealion going by the name of "Watson", who picked out the 'Tricolore' ahead of their wins against Honduras and Switzerland.

But, like Ecuador and Honduras, his World Cup dream is in tatters. He selected the French flag from three boxes ahead of tonight's match. I can almost see Paul the Octopus smiling down from the big ocean in the sky....

Image source, AP

There are going to be some long Ecudorian faces wandering about Rio de Janeiro tonight...

Paul on text: Sorry but how exactly was Valencia's tackle two-footed? His left foot went to the floor. If that's a red card, you're going to be getting red cards every game. Was one footed. Glad France and Swiss got through though.

Antonio Valencia has been sent off in two of his last four games for Ecuador. The Manchester United winger, who saw red for his skirmish with Raheem Sterling in the warm-up match against England, is the first man to be sent off for his nation at the World Cup.

So, as expected, France advance to the second round as Group E winners. That sets up a second-round showdown with African champions Nigeria. And Switzerland? The darker shadow of Argentina looms large...

France v Nigeria - Monday 30 June (17:00 BST)

Argentina v Switzerland - Tuesday 1 July (21:00 BST)

Steve Claridge
BBC Radio 5 live

"I've just seen one of the strangest games. Honduras lost but they had five or six golden chances. I'm not talking about half chances, these were proper chances. Honduras should have won. It was a really strange experience. When you see it you'll ask 'how did they not score?'."

Is Steve right? See for yourself. Just click on the 'Highlights' tab above to watch the best bits from Honduras against Switzerland.

Former Brazil and Middlesbrough midfielder Juninho
MOTD analyst

"I was disappointed at the Ecuador attitude. They are famous for their character and courage but they didn't show that. They stuck with two lines of four and didn't really have a go."

Agree with Juninho? Have a gander for yourself. All the highlights from the Maracana are live on the top of this page. It won't take you long to watch...

But never mind all that doom and gloom.

France and Switzerland are through!

The expressions on the faces of the Hondurans are equally sad. They also have to pack their suitcases home tonight.

Honduras are out.

Like a reverse Fabrizio Ravanelli, Ecuador forward Walter Avoyi covers his tears with his yellow shirts. And there are plenty of other solemn expressions on Ecuadorian faces. They are the first South American side to be eliminated from the tournament on their own continent.

Ecuador are out.

Brad Friedel
Tottenham and former USA goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 live

"France were in control. They didn't score but they did what they had to do and it was job done. It was a very professional performance."

Image source, Getty Images

It is now! Ecuador - shock, horror - could not get the two goals they needed in stoppage-time.

All over in Manaus. Smiles and pats on the back all round on the Swiss bench. They think it's all over...

But Alexander Dominguez clambers to his feet and saves Olivier Giroud's header from point-blank range. The ball has been drawn to his gloves like a magnet tonight.

Image source, AP

Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez goes down in a heap, suffering from cramp apparently. You'd never see John Burridge complaining of that. Four minutes to go...

Image source, AP

France are still searching for that late winner which would give them a perfect 100% record in Group E. Bandy-legged midfielder Paul Pogba drives forward, thumping a low effort goalwards which is swiftly dealt with by busy Ecuadorian keeper Alexander Dominguez.

Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Kevin Kilbane
MOTD

"What a performance from Shaqiri. We came here looking for him to produce and he has certainly done that. Three brilliant goals from him. Outstanding."

Decent shift for Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri, whose right palm gets several high fives as he trudges back to the bench. He is replaced by Blerim Dzemaili for the final moments.

Kevin in Hornchurch on text: Roy must be looking forward to playing Switzerland in the Euros. Guaranteed 3 points by the looks of it............. For the Swiss sadly !!