After leaving it late in their first two group matches, France will be looking for a complete performance when they face Switzerland at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d’Ascq.
Deschamps must include his big stars
Didier Deschamps’ decision to drop both Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba from the starting lineup against Albania in favour of inexperienced duo Kingsley Coman and Anthony Martial severely backfired. The latter, in particular, flopped and was subsequently withdrawn from the clash at halftime, following a subdued outing.
While some observes understood the rationale behind fielding the two youngsters, given Griezmann and Pogba were quiet themselves in the opening match, it was the wrong decision. In order for Les Tricolores to have a genuine attempt of claiming a third European crown, they need their world-class troops on the pitch.
Ultimately, Deschamps in a sense got out of jail as the very two players he omitted from the XI were instrumental in both the goals manufactured. Griezmann broke the deadlock with a terrific glancing header, after he was left unmarked in the box, while it was Pogba’s long ball which released Andre-Pierre Gignac whose inadvertent pass setup Dimitri Payet to seal its passage to the knockout stage.
France are yet to have a comprehensive display, and although they have qualified for the next round and illustrated what a potential champion team is made of – by never giving up and playing to the final whistle – the French public have reason to be somewhat alarmed.
Euro 2016 – Group A Match Preview – Switzerland vs France
Scarcity of goals a concern for Switzerland
A 1-0 win against an impervious Albania and a 1-1 draw to Romania is not a bad start to a tournament by any stretch of the imagination. However, the lack of goals to show for its dominant performances could haunt them against Les Bleus and potentially more superior opposition. According to Soccerway, in its first two games this tournament the Swiss have created a combined total of 28 chances with a paltry return of two goals.
Currently their inability to convert opportunities is not a major concern, since Vladimir Petkovic’s charges have accumulated four points and sit second on the group table. Even if they lose to France and Romania win convincingly over Albania; the Rossocrociati are more than likely to advance to the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. However, strikers Haris Seferovic and Breel Embolo will need to improve if they are to go deep into the championship.
Will Dimitri Payet continue his mesmerising form again?
No player has set the tournament alight quite like Dimitri Payet. Andres Iniesta would make a real case for that argument following his exploits with Spain, however the West Ham star has by virtue single-handedly carried France. His 89th minute screamer to settle the affair in the opening match against Romania, before putting in an excellent second-half shift to score Les Bleus’ second in stoppage time have exemplified his sheer class.
Deschamps will be confident the 29-year-old can deliver yet again and if he is given time on the ball and space to operate by the Swiss, one would be naïve to think he will not perpetuate his stirring form.
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