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.
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.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
That's true, but I wonder if Puma are happy about having their shirts being ripped so easily? Is it more French tugging or poor shirt quality?
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: Switzerland 0-0 France France clearly the better side, with several shots from Payet, Pogba and Griezmann all looking worthy of goals, while Yann Sommer had a wonderful game in goal for the Swiss. But the Swiss may have claimed a penalty right at the death. Thanks for your company. I'll be back for the Round of 16 on Sunday morning at 5am. We'll know by midweek by Thursday who will be in. At fulltime in Lille, it finished Switzerland 0-0 France. Good morning!
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90+2: Or they could go for a winner, as Lang has a lovely cross in aimed for Dzemaili, who goes to ground. Indeed, there is an arm from Sagna there, and Switzerland could consider themselves unlucky to get a penalty there. That would have been a late twist, but that's fulltime in Lille. No goals, but no worries for either Switzerland or France, who both progress to the second half of the tournament. Romania and Albania are close to fulltime in Lyon, with Albania possibly facing a nervous wait until they can find out if they go through as well. Romania have been knocked out. FULLTIME: Switzerland 0-0 France
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90+1: Two added minutes confirmed, and we've nearly played one. There may be no late heroics for France this time, but onwards to the knockouts they can go. Switzerland can be best described as sufficient this game. Switzerland 0-0 France
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'88: No glory for Payet this time. It hits the wall, and rolls out for a goalkick, to an anticlimactic response inside those wearing the tricolour. He's become quite a hit this tournament. Switzerland 0-0 France
ooO
Guest
what's with all the shirt pulling by the French?? They have ripped about 4 Swiss shirts to pieces so far! Referee is blind?
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'88: Lille waits in anticipation. Switzerland 0-0 France
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'87: France o'clock again, as Switzerland give a free kick away from outside the box, courtesy of Schar's handball. Dimitri Payet time. Switzerland 0-0 France
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'86: Final change is confirmed, as Michael Lang replaces Admir Mehmedi, whose shirt is fine, while Xhaka gets his third one for the night. SUBSTITUTION (SWITZERLAND) OFF: 18. Mehmedi ON: 6. Lang Switzerland 0-0 France
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'84: Switzerland back in possession and playing short passes around their midfield and defence. And another torn shirt. Quick look at the bench, and Switzerland are making another change, namely Michael Lang. Is he coming on for tactics, or is it because they've run out of new shirts for Granit Xhaka. Bad night for Puma with these shirts. Switzerland 0-0 France
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'82: Switzerland in no real hurry to play it forward. They may be accepting of a draw here. But now Koscielny hacks it Lichsteiner, and the Arsenal man sees yellow for the shoulder barge. Free kick in an opportune position, but is the quality there? Not a bad one from Rodriguez, but Koscielny is back in defence and heads it away. Switzerland 0-0 France
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'79: Payet wide! Another good strike mind you, but direction was lacking. It was laid off by Pogba inside the penalty area, and Payet was awaiting, but Sommer this time was unthreatened by the direction of the shot. Switzerland 0-0 France
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'78: A draw would be mutually beneficial. It means that France can sit back sufficiently to ensure they don't concede and risk their top place in Group A, while a stalemate is sufficient to confirm Switzerland's passage. Switzerland bring on Gelson Fernandes to replace the ineffective Xherdan Shaqiri. SUBSTITUTION (SWITZERLAND) OFF: 23. Shaqiri ON: 16. Fernandes Switzerland 0-0 France
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'78: Second change for France, as Blaise Matuidi replaces Griezmann. SUBSTITUTION (FRANCE) OFF: 7. Griezmann ON: 14. Matuidi Switzerland 0-0 France
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'76: Payet off the crossbar! Superb and strong run by Sissoko down the right flank, as he takes two Swiss players with him on a journey. The cross then comes in adjacent to the penalty area. It eludes the central man in Griezmann, but Payet was in support, and smashed a volley first-time past Sommer, but it hits the crossbar, and bounces into the penalty area! It can't go in, and Switzerland survive again! Superb from Sissoko, and Payet was so close! Switzerland 0-0 France
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'74: Breel Embolo is off for Seferovic. The young forward did himself no disgrace out there, but just didn't have any support. SUBSTITUTION (SWITZERLAND) OFF: 7. Embolo ON: 9. Seferovic Switzerland 0-0 France
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
LOL, how so? The name, or the performance?
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'72: The support play by Switzerland this morning has been poor - in fact, they've offered little of note to even penetrate the final line of defence at all, let alone test Lloris. They really can thank their keeper Sommer for not conceding anything. This either has the hallmarks of another late French win, or even a late smash and grab by Switzerland, if they can get a shot away. Haris Seferovic receiving instructions before coming on. Switzerland 0-0 France
Stevo
Roar Rookie
I see Shaqiri and I think of Game of Thrones.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'68: Shaqiri can't keep the ball as Switzerland counter. That's three times at least this evening his touches have let him down - is Petkovic going to change things soon? He needs another man in attacking midfield or up front. Switzerland 0-0 France