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Group E leaders Switzerland and France do battle in Salvador for early Round of 16 qualification as the World Cup nears the halfway point. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:00am (AEST) on Saturday.
Largely touted as the World Cup’s weakest seeds, Switzerland head to Salvador in fine shape following Admir Mehmedi’s last-gasp winner against Ecuador.
Up until the strike, the Swiss would have contemplated an arm wrestle for progression in the widely acknowledged weakest group of the competition. Facing minnows Honduras in their final group game, qualification can be firmly in Die Nati’s hands with a result against France.
Les Bleus’ win against Honduras was clinical as it was expected. Coach Didier Deschamps has brought a far more united squad in Brazil than the rabble that represented the tricolours in South Africa four years ago.
While the plaudits were undoubtedly reserved for striker Karim Benzema, the absence of Franck Ribery was not felt as the influence of midfielders Yohan Cabaye and youngster Paul Pogba showed the bright future French football has. However, dominating a struggling Honduran outfit is one thing – doing so against the likes of Valon Behrami and Gokhan Inler is another.
France also possess a settled back four of Debuchy, Varane, Sakho and veteran Patrice Evra, flanked behind by the quality that is Hugo Lloris in goal. If Benzema is the reason France can dominate matches, their defence will be the reason they can win a World Cup.
Despite the compliments, they began World Cup 2014 unseeded – and must acknowledge how infighting has previously damaged French football’s prestige. A “derby” match against neighbours Switzerland will test their newfound sense of unity and show how real it actually is.
Having secured three points in their first game, and despite starting as seeds, Switzerland are outsiders to win this game. However, history in this fixture and a team that plays with quintessential Swiss efficiency – minimal panache aimed at maximum result – are capable of springing an upset to seal their progression early.
Central to Die Nati’s hopes is the aforementioned duo of Behrami and Inler, but the real talisman is Bayern Munich’s Xherdan Shaqiri, who is using World Cup 2014 as a shop window for a new club.
Given that anything bar a heavy loss will not be terminal for either side, both squads may aim to play defensive football based on counterattack. Based on this, both sides may satisfy themselves with a point each.
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