France put in a promising shift, despite being held to a 0-0 draw with Switzerland at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
The host nation are yet to deliver a complete performance at the Euros but would take confidence heading into the round of 16 after topping Group A on seven points.
After recent criticism, Paul Pogba played an instrumental role in the clash, striking the crossbar twice and forcing gloveman Yann Sommer into an excellent save.
Les Bleus further hit the woodwork through substitute Dimitri Payet and on the balance of play deserved to win.
The result also see the Swiss qualify for the next round for the first-ever time, finishing second with five points, but a lack of goals is a concern moving forward.
Switzerland
Yann Sommer – 6: Was at times unconvincing between the sticks, but recovered to make an instinctive save to deny Pogba.
Stephan Lichtsteiner – 6: Got forward to join the Swiss attacks and intercepted well in defence.
Fabian Scahr – 6: Copped a whack to his nose for his troubles in the first-half and won the areal battle with Gignac.
Johan Djourou – 5.5: Sometimes awkward on the ball, highlighted by an errant back pass almost invited Griezmann in on goal.
Ricardo Rodriguez – 6: Had to track the runs of Coman and therefore rarely attacked, with the fear of being caught on the counter-attack in the back of his mind.
Valon Behrami – 6: Tidy with the ball at his feet alongside Xhaka, though could not handle Pogba’s lambasting runs.
Blerim Dzemaili – 6: Cut a frustrated figure and seemed more interested in finding an argument with the officials. Also tried his luck from distance, only to blaze his effort off target.
Granit Xhaka – 6.5: Composed in possession and screened the back four with ease. Became more involved in the second-half to boot.
Xherdan Shaqiri – 5.5: Little involvement in the clash and floundered particularly during the first-half, unable to run at his opponents.
Breel Embolo – 6.5: Provided a spark up front and was not afraid to receive the ball with his back towards goal.
Admir Mehmedi – 6: Effective when cutting in onto his right foot from the left wing.
Substitutes
Haris Seferovic – 5.5: Unable to see any chances in the short time he was on the field.
Gelson Fernandes – N/A: Did not have enough time have an influence on the game.
Michael Lang – N/A: Given less than five minutes to showcase his ability.
France
Hugo Lloris – 7: Another comfortable night in goal for the shot-stopper, as he was hardly tested.
Bacary Sagna – 6: A subdued outing at right-back with Mehmedi hardly troubling the ex-Arsenal man.
Adil Rami – 6: Restricted from making any cynical challenges after accruing a yellow card for a high foot.
Laurent Koscielny – 7: Illustrated his experience at the back to nullify Embolo and showed something of a telepathic understanding with Rami.
Patrice Evra – 6: Did not venture forward as we are used to seeing, but had Shaqiri in his back pocket for most of the match.
Moussa Sissoko – 7: Covered a lot of ground in his chance to impress. Applied pressure on the Swiss midfield was dynamic on the break.
Yohan Cabaye – 6: Controlled the centre of the park with his passing, though will probably be replaced for Matuidi in the round of 16.
Paul Pogba – 8: A much more energetic and improved performance from the 23-year-old, who ran the show in midfield. Had several attempts on goals, including a tremendous long-range strike which smashed the crossbar.
Antoine Griezmann – 7: Like Pogba, experienced a better game causing havoc for the Switzerland defence and forced Sommer into a routine save.
Andre-Pierre Gignac – 6: Linked with his teammates to great effect, but had few sightings at goal.
Kingsley Coman – 6.5: A live wire on the wing, the youngster exhibiting blistering pace to escape the attentions of Rodriguez.
Substitutes
Dimitri Payet – 6.5: Rested for the first 60 minutes and provided creativity and imagination spark in attack when brought on. Smashed the underside of the upright with a sumptuous volley.
Blaise Matuidi – N/A: The industrious midfielder added extra resolve in midfield and should see himself return to the XI next game.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
