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.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
FULL TIME: France will look to Sao Paulo as Group E winners, save for a calamity against Ecuador in the final group game. It has been raining goals in Salvador yet again. Six in Spain v Netherlands, four in Germany v Portugal, and now seven here. I'll be back tomorrow at 5am to bring you Germany v Ghana in Group G, but keep an eye out for other blogs from The Roar. The final score from Salvador is yet another goalfest: it's Switzerland 2-5 France
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
FULL TIME: Breathtaking, enterprising, strong - such terms are apt to describe France today. Conceding two goals in the last 10 minutes took some gloss off, but France are a contender in this World Cup, and this performance will resound around Brazil tonight. The French front three of Benzema, Giroud and Valbuena were clinical. Switzerland were poor, but those final two goals may prove crucial. Up until then, the Swiss had plenty of chances, with the best being a Xherdan Shaqiri effort in the first half that was inches away from the post and from Hans Seferov. If either score, this match may have been different. Nevertheless, a stalemate between Honduras and Ecuador will keep Switzerland in second. While a win for either won't be as terminal now given those final two Swiss goals.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
LOL, that was crap referring to blow the whistle while the ball was still in active play and have Benzema's goal denied.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90+3: Benzema denied a final goal because referee Bjorn Kuipers makes his one and only mistake, and that is to blow for full-time too early! That was fine looping finish, and Benzema can be a little miffed at that. Still, it is a 5-2 win for France, and they have set a marker well and truly at this World Cup. FULL TIME: FRANCE 5-2 SWITZERLAND
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Ref's whistle went just as Benzema lined it up - come on Ref!!!!
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90+2: Seconds left, and France have it and will see this one out. A SIXTH! BENZEMA The camera left to Deschamps celebrating before Benzema struck! But wait, has the referee blown the whistle before Benzema struck! Well what is this? FRANCE 5-2 SWITZERLAND
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Final minute of an entertaining game, despite the late Swiss flurry, Les Bleus have shown themselves to be an attacking force which can go far in this tournament Benzema!!!!!
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90+2: Even with the two goals conceded, France's goal difference is +6. That should cover any crazy permutation in the final group game surely. Of course, should Honduras and Ecuador draw, France will secure progression. FRANCE 5-2 SWITZERLAND
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90+1: Three added minutes. Switzerland working for a third. Where this has come from in the last 10 minutes, you can only ask where it was before. France have been scampering in defence since Dzemaili's superb free kick. FRANCE 5-2 SWITZERLAND
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Well done to the Swiss for not throwing the towel in - they have actually broken even this half 3 min of added time
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
A handy warning sign for the French, when you're 3-0 up. Lovers of defensive prowess will be shaking their heads. The rest will just marvel at the goals we've seen.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'87: In the last 10 minutes, Switzerland have been playing some fine football. France once again counter, and Pogba goes for a cross, but Benaglio gathers. FRANCE 5-2 SWITZERLAND
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Crazy game but well taken goal. Le Coq need to stiffen up.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
A third Swiss goal will be a great comeback given all that has happened before them. FRANCE 5-2 SWITZERLAND
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'87: That is two! Xhaka has a wonderful ball delivered and hits it first time past Lloris. He made a superb run into the penalty area, and Switzerland restore some pride now. FRANCE 5-2 SWITZERLAND
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Another goal for Switzerland - Xhaka with a fine finish
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'86: Great shot by Shaqiri. This time, Lloris gets to it and parries clear. Switzerland have been better. In this game, it is consolation. In the wider scheme of Group E, another Swiss goal may prove vital. FRANCE 5-1 SWITZERLAND
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'84: Forgot to mention that Antoine Griezmann has replaced Matthieu Valbuena. FRANCE 5-1 SWITZERLAND
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'84: That spoils France's party only slightly, and in the battle of goal difference, that goal may be crucial. FRANCE 5-1 SWITZERLAND
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'81: No celebration from Dzemaili, but that is a goal worthy of replay over and over! 30 yards out - and the substitute Dzemaili drove it past a small gap in the French wall, which left Lloris unsighted. In a forgettable game for Switzerland, Blerim Dzemaili has provided an unforgettable moment. FRANCE 5-1 SWITZERLAND