体坛英语新闻：World Cup Group E Preview

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 7 (Xinhua) -- With a rising Switzerland hoping to make history, a star-studded France expecting to continue their luck, the American duo Ecuador and Honduras seeking a victory, Group E seems to provide a clear outcome at the World Cup in Brazil.

Ranking 6th, Switzerland has been enjoying its golden time since Ottmar Hitzfeld took charge in 2008. The 65-year old German, however, is supposed to bid farewell after the 2014 World Cup.

The Swiss reached the quarter-finals three times in previous tournaments, but none since they played host in 1954. In the last World Cup four years ago, Switzerland failed to progress from the group stage despite a shock 1-0 win over eventual champion Spain.

This time around, the solid back four and well-organized midfield ensured the Swiss a record nine clean sheets in its last 15 matches.

The biggest issue for Hitzfled, however, will be lack of sharpness in the attack. The strikers selected by the German, Mario Gavranovic, Admir Mehmedi and Josip Drmic are all inexperienced at international level despite standout performance in their clubs.

The number of goals may also depend on whether Bayern Munich's rising star Xherdan Shaquiri could provide enough creativity.

"I hope we can be a positive surprise and at least get to the round of 16 and take if from there," said Hitzfeld.

The Swiss will kick off their World Cup campaign against Ecuador on June 15 in Brasilia's Estadio Nacional, before facing France on June 20 and Honduras on June 25.

"We will be playing in different climatic zones, so we have to play intelligently," he said.

One of the title favorites for every major tournament, France had no easy time in the qualifying. Chasing Spain all the way in their preliminary round, France finally booked a spot after a narrow escape from the play-off against Ukraine.

With the absence of Nasri and Abidal, Deschamps named a mix of experience and young talent in his squad.

Juventus rising star and France's U-20 captain Paul Pogba, along with Paris duo Yohan Cabaye and Blaise Matuidi, will be the powerhouse. Laurent Koscielny, Raphael Varane and Patrick Evra will stand before keeper Hugo Lloris.

Deschamps, a member of Les Bleus when they won the 1998 World Cup on home soil, remains a low key.

"You don't go to a World Cup just to take part, but it will help us to prepare for Euro 2016," he said.

The clash between France and Switzerland on match-day 2 is likely to have a big impact on the group placings. The first place means they can avoid the most likely Group F winner Argentina.

For Honduras and Ecuador, however, they may both expect a win from each other.

Honduras is making its third appearance in the World Cup finals. It failed to get out of the group stage in 1982 and 2010.

With notable names including Stock city midfielder Wilson Palacios and 2013 English FA Cup winners Wigan's Espinoza in squad, Colombian coach Luis Fernando Suarez hopes his team can win at least a game.

But, Ecuador, who beat Australia and drew the Netherlands in recent friendlies, refuse to be underestimated as well.

Head coach Reinaldo Rueda, who led Honduras to the 2010 World Cup, believed Ecuador could achieve more than a must-win game over his former team.

"I always tell the players I want to play seven games," the Colombian said, implying that Ecuador will at least reach the semi-finals.