Top spot in Group A will be decided when host nation France tackle Switzerland to begin the final round of group stage matches at Euro 2016.
While France have not been at their best they have still managed two wins from two matches, including the dramatic last gasp 2-0 victory over Albania last week. On the other hand, the Swiss scored a crucial three points against Albania on matchday one, they needed an Admir Mehmedi bullet to salvage a point against Romania.
The equation is simple heading into this match. The winner tops the group, while Switzerland could drop to third with a loss against Les Blues.
Key Battle – Xherdan Shaqiri vs Dimitri Payet
We have not seen many goals in the tournament so far, however, one is enough to win matches and it could very well come from the boot of either Swiss superstar Xherdan Shaqiri or Frenchman Dimitri Payet.
Payet has been a revelation since joining English Premier League outfit West Ham United in July last year and his form has carried on into the Euros, scoring in both matches and he could be the difference in this outing as well.
For Switzerland, they will need Shaqiri to be at his attacking best if he and his team are going to get past a solid opposition defence.
Team News
Vladimir Petkovic will keep with his 4-3-3 formation as he hopes to score a huge victory over the undefeated France. However, several members of his team will have to be careful, including new Arsenal signing Grant Xhaka, who is one card away from missing any potential knockout round match.
Didier Deschamps’ side has already qualified for the round of 16, but will look to head into the knockout stages with a perfect record. Similarly to Switzerland, Olivier Giroud and N’Golo Kante are walking a tightrope as they will risk missing the next stage with a yellow card if they play.
Head-to-head
The two nations have met 37 times in their history, yet only five of those clashes have been in a major tournament and the Swiss are yet to beat France in any of those. Les Bleus have won 16 of the matches played – including a win against Switzerland in Euro 2004.
The French s also comprehensively defeated Switzerland 5-2 at the 2014 World Cup.
Previous Meeting
That was the last time the two nations met. Giroud, Blase Matuidi, Mathieu Valbuena, Karim Benzema, and Moussa Sissoko all scored in the win which helped France top their group as well.
Prediction
A win is crucial for both sides, but if history has anything to do with it all signs point to a France victory. They have a great record against their opposition, they are the host nation, and they have been able to secure maximum points without being at their best.
Switzerland 1 France 2
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