With a place in the Round of 16 assured, France go into this Group A encounter of UEFA Euro 2016 with one eye on the upcoming fixtures. However, what might seem like a dead rubber, has a lot of meaning to it. France and Switzerland sit first and second respectively in this group and a win for either team would see them finish as toppers from Group A who will face one of the top third-placed teams.
Finishing second would require them to play the second-placed team in Group C which at the moment looks to be Poland or Germany, whom both teams would want to avoid. The onus is on Switzerland to get at least a point and finish second, as the third place might not be enough to put them through.
France come into this match after back to back wins against Romania and Albania. They nipped Romania 2-1 via a late Dimitri Payet goal and overcame Albania with two late goals which saw them win the fixture 2-0. France are one of the favourites to win the tournament and there’s no way better to win it on home soil.
Switzerland have had a decent performance coming into this Group A tie. They won their first match 1-0 against Albania and only managed a 1-1 tie against Romania. They’ll need at least one point to seal their second spot in the group. Switzerland will look to stage an upset against France who are yet to look convincing in the competition despite their wins.
We look at five players who might be the difference between the two teams.
1) Dimitri Payet
The West Ham United midfielder has had a sensational start to the European Championships this year. He struck a brace into the top corner late in the game against Romania which proved to be the decider. He was influential again in the second match against Albania and scored the second goal for Les Blues in injury time as they beat Albania 2-0.
Dimitri Payet has had a season to cherish. He was one of the best players in the Premier League for Slaven Bilic’s West Ham United and has brought his club form to the international level at the Euros this year.
France coach, Didier Deschamps summed up Payet’s performance against Romania. He said,” Payet made the difference today. He’s an attacking player but he's also someone who helps out the team. It's quite easy in football when you can bang it in the top corner – it solves quite a lot of problems!”
Payet will be crucial in the match against Switzerland and in France’s Euro conquest. Depending on the system Deschamps will undertake, Payet might be given the role as a winger or in the hole behind the striker. In any case, the French attacker has the qualities to impress and even score again against Switzerland which France will be hoping he does.
#2 Ricardo Rodriguez
Ricardo Rodriguez will be one of the most important players on the pitch against France. The Wolfsburg man was a constant threat down the left flank in the match against Romania. He controlled the left-hand side and got forward whenever possible and had a hand in the opening goal as well.
The Swiss’s passing and crossing skills are terrific and he would also be an asset in taking set-pieces. The left back likes to play long balls which will test the French defence which doesn’t look totally convincing yet.
Rodriguez’s link up play with Xhaka and goalscorer of the Romania match Admir Mehmedi will be important in Switzerland’s chances of topping the group.
#3 Paul Pogba
The 23-year-old defender possesses an immense talent and has been an indispensable asset in the Juventus side and in the France national team. However, he put out a meek show in France’s 1-0 win against Romania which saw him being dropped to the bench in the next game against Albania.
Pogba is a vital member for Juventus and has been the deep-lying playmaker for them this season after Pirlo’s departure. Still young, he has a terrific work rate which complemented with his brilliant skills with the ball, makes him one of the best young players in the world.
Though he improved against Albania after coming on from the bench, his brilliance is yet to be seen in this competition. Pogba will probably return to the starting eleven and his duties will be to keep the midfield ticking. The Blues have often been slow in attack and his role will be crucial in building up play from deep.
4) Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka has been Switzerland’s best player so far in the competition. The midfielder who recently signed for Arsenal has put on impressive performances against Albania and Romania which saw him win the Man of the Match award on both occasions.
He holds on to possession well and his distribution is superb. His winning mentality I an asset any team would like to have.
Granit Xhaka’s contribution from midfield will be crucial if Switzerland are to gain points from the tie against France. The transition from defence to attack in the counter attacks will be led by Xhaka. He’ll also have to be helpful in defence as France are expected to see most of the ball. Shackling the likes of Paul Pogba to venture too far forward and winning the aerial duels will be crucial.
Xhaka is one of the most technically gifted players in the Swiss team and if he manages to do what’s given to him, Switzerland might go on to win the match.
#5 Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann is expected to return to the starting line-up after being dropped against Albania. He came on from the bench in that match and had an immediate impact on the game as he scored the first goal for Les Blues in the 90th minute against a gutsy Albanian side.
Griezmann has had a terrific season for Atletico Madrid this year. He helped the Diego Simeone-led side to the Champions League final which they eventually lost against Real Madrid. Griezmann’s is quick on his feet, can make sharp turns and is deadly in front of goal. However, he doesn’t like to play as the sole striker because he lacks physicality. Like he links up with Fernando Torres in Atletico Madrid, he would like Olivier Giroud to play up front with him supporting as the wide forward.
He will have to put in crosses into the box frequently and shoot whenever he gets a chance. France will look to have all their team members in top form if they are to progress further in the completion and eventually win the coveted cup.
