The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Switzerland vs France highlights: Euro 2016 scores, blog

19th June, 2016
Kickoff: 5am AEST
Venue: Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille
Head to Head: Played 37, Switzerland 12, France 16, Draws 9
Last Meeting: Switzerland 2-5 France (FIFA World Cup 2014 - 20/06/14 – Arena Fonte Nova)
TV: Live – beIN SPORTS 1 – 05:00 AEST
Betting: Switzerland $6.00, France $1.90, Draw $3.00
Switzerland look set to make the knockout rounds. (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)
Roar Guru
19th June, 2016
64

Matchday Three group actions begins in Euro 2016, as hosts France play Switzerland from the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille on Monday morning. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5am AEST.

Two games, and the first part of the job is done if you are Didier Deschamps and Les Bleues. Qualification at the earliest asking was what was expected, even if both wins were achieved very late on. Right now, results are all that matters.

For this reason, Deschamps may look to refresh his side and bring in a second string team for the match against neighbours Switzerland – this game always has an edge. But while France can pursue Monday morning’s fixture in relative comfort, Switzerland’s survival is still mathematically up for grabs.

As per standard for games on Matchday 3, all kickoffs within the group are simultaneous, so as to prevent disadvantage for any of the four teams.

With Romania expected to take three points against Albania in the other Group A encounter, the incentive is there for Switzerland to still field a full strength line-up, even if their current tally of four points is good enough to progress if they finish in third place.

The critical component to Vladimir Petkovic’s tactics will be how he manages his side knowing that a loss may not be fatal, but that results in the other groups will determine his side’s progress if that were to eventuate.

On that basis, expect the Swiss to retain a defensive formation, with either Blerim Dzemaili or Admir Mehmedi making way for another body in the midfield, likely Gelson Fernandes as a screen for back four.

Petkovic may also be tempted to rest playmaker Granit Xhaka, who risks suspension for a possible Round of 16 clash should he be booked again.

Advertisement

Fabian Frei is an option if the manager is so persuaded. The back four should be retained against a French forward line that can be considered sufficient at best, and at times, wasteful.

For France, the likelihood is that a second string will be wielded by Deschamps. The Leicester City midfielder N’Golo Kante is the likeliest to make way, as he sits on a booking. Their hero from the first two games Dimitri Payet is also likely be rested.

Deschamps is blessed with midfield options, with Yohan Cabaye, Morgan Schneiderlin or Lucas Digne yet to see game time in the tournament.

Captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris will likely sit out, as Steve Mandanda is given a game, while the ageing fullbacks Patrice Evra and Bacary Sagna will be replaced by Samuel Umtiti and Christophe Jallet respectively.

For France, this derby against Switzerland represents a glorified hitout, yet they will still be conscious to finish top of Group A and ensure a theoretically easier Round of 16 match-up.

With changes aplenty likely for France, it’s a golden opportunity for the Swiss to get one over their neighbours, and ensure progress to the next round.

Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5am AEST.

Advertisement
close