Group E has an equal split of two nations from Europe and two from Central and South America, so it promises to be an interesting battle for the top two places and we meet the men who hope to lead their teams through it.
France
Manager: Didier Deschamps
Age: 45
As a player, Deschamps captained France to World Cup and European glory in 1998 and 2000. The former midfielder managed Monaco, Juventus and Marseille before replacing Laurent Blanc as France manager following the country’s early exit at the UEFA European Championships in 2012.
Swiss boss Hitzfeld is one of the most experienced coaches in the World Cup
Previous jobs: Monaco (2001-05), Juventus (2006-07) Marseille (2009-2012).
Killer fact: Deschamps is the youngest captain (aged 24) to ever win the Champions League, doing so with Marseille in 1993.
Switzerland
Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld
Age: 65
Hitzfeld is one of the most experienced managers in history having claimed 17 major club titles, including two Champions League trophies with Borussia Dortmund (1996-97) and Bayern Munich (2000-01). He has twice been named World Coach of the Year and took control of Switzerland in 2008.
Previous jobs: Zug 94 (1983-84), Aarau (1984-88), Grasshoppers (1988-91), Borussia Dortmund (1991-97), Bayern Munich (1998-04 & 2007-08).
Killer Fact: Hitzfeld’s uncle, Otto Hitzfeld, was a general during World War II.
Rueda is Colombian, but has proved a popular boss of neighbours Ecuador
Ecuador
Manager: Reinaldo Rueda
Age: 57
Rueda shot to fame when he was the Colombia youth coach. With the Colombia U20 team, he managed third place at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championships. After managing Colombia at senior level and group rivals Honduras, he took control of La Tri in 2010 and has been in charge ever since.
Previous jobs: Cortulua (1994-97), Deportivo Cali (1997-98), Medellin (2002), Colombia U20 (2002-04), Colombia (2004-06), Honduras (2006-10).
Killer fact: Rueda holds a Physical Education degree and has taught several courses at the Colombian National Coaches School.
Honduras
Manager: Luis Fernando Suarez
Age: 54
Luis Fernando Suarez, not to be confused with his namesake from Uruguay
Despite having the same surname as the prolific Uruguay striker, the Honduras manager shares little else with the Liverpool star. He played as a defender and never managed to break into his national side. He was appointed as national boss in 2011.
Previous jobs: Atletico Nacoinal (1999-2000 & 2009), Deportivo Cali (2001), Deportes Tolima (2001), Aucas (2003-04 & 2008), Ecuador (2004-07), Juan Aurich (2009-10).
Killer fact: Suarez guided Ecuador to their highest World Cup finish in 2006, reaching the last 16 with them before losing 1-0 to England.
