England and Uruguay will keep a keen eye on the Italy vs Costa Rica match, while France will look to virtually seal their spot in the last 16 with victory over Switzerland in another day of enthralling action on Friday at the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil.
England's loss to Uruguay on Thursday, have put their chances of qualifying from Group D in dire straits and then need Italy to win against Costa Rica to stand any chance of staying in the tournament beyond next week.
Italy were not immeasurably impressive against England in their first match, but they did have more of the experience and tactical nous in ensuring a 2-1 victory, with Mario Balotelli coming to the fore. Costa Rica are coming off a 3-1 thumping of Uruguay and Italy will be wary of their explosive, quick forwards.
Following Italy's match against Costa Rica will be France's high-voltage clash against fellow Europeans Switzerland.
Both sides managed to pick up victories in their first matches in Group E, and will know another three points will pretty much ensure their place in the knockout rounds.
France eased past Honduras in their opening match, courtesy a Karim Benzema brace, while Switzerland needed a last-minute goal to negotiate their way past Ecuador.
This match could be a little attritional, with Switzerland likely to play the waiting game, asking France to break down their defence.
The final match of the evening will be between Honduras and Ecuador, two of the teams that lost their opening match to France and Switzerland respectively.
Honduras showed their overly physical approach against France in their first Group E match, and Ecuador can expect a bruising battle. For Ecuador it will be about bouncing back from that painful defeat against Switzerland, where Haris Seferovic's late goal consigned them to forgettable start in the 2014 World Cup.
Of the three matches, Italy should be able to negotiate their way past Costa Rica, despite the latter's brilliant performance against Uruguay. The Switzerland vs France match does have draw written all over it, but the French could edge it, if their big players show up on the day.
Finally, Ecuador will be desperate for three points to stay in contention for qualification, and the South Americans should have enough to get past Honduras.
FIFA World Cup Schedule:
Group D: Italy vs Costa Rica, Arena Pernambuco, Recife (1 pm local time, 9.30 pm IST, 5 pm BST, 12 pm ET)
Group E: Switzerland vs France, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador (4 pm local time, 12.30 am IST, 8 pm BST, 3 pm ET)
Group E: Honduras vs Ecuador, Arena da Baixada, Curitiba (7 pm local time, 3.30 am IST, 11 pm BST, 6 pm ET)
