Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Both sides go into their final Group A encounter looking to get the necessary result that will see them top the group. For France a win or draw will do the job while for Switzerland it’s just a win over their neighbours that will see them top proceedings
If one thing France like doing in this tournament it’s leaving things late. In both games they have been rescued by late goals to carry them victory. Dimitri Payet being the hero in the opener, while Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann was the toast of France when his header finally broke Albanian resolve earlier in the week
Payet has certainly been France’s best player in this tournament but the key element for France in this tournament so far has been the substitutions. Griezmann was on the bench for the game against Albania and was bought on for Anthony Martial at half time, will that goal be enough to warrant inclusion from the start this time around
It also begs the question as to whether or not Didier Deschamps has worked out his best eleven yet. Paul Pogba was the other man dropped to the bench after the opener against Romania. His arrival on the pitch against Albania certainly gave France more purpose and again will that be enough to see him start
For Switzerland they have 4 points from their opening two group matches which on the balance of play is about right although if they had not have wasted so many chances early on against Romania they could be sitting joint top of the group right now with qualification to the Round of 16 already assured
They had to come from behind to salvage a point against Romania, Admir Mehmedi’s spectacular volley cancelling out Bogdan Stancu’s second penalty of the tournament. What with the Swiss being so wasteful on Wednesday you have to wonder if they will opt to start youngster Breel Embolo.
The much in demand striker has made two appearances from the bench so far but hasn’t really had a chance to show what he can really do and why he is being courted by a whole host of top European clubs.
France will go into this game as favourites, can they play without what seems to be the weight of a nation on their shoulders. They come through their first two games with a perfect record but it will be interesting to see what they can do without relying on a late late show
Will Switzerland go more defensive knowing that they only need a draw to qualify, if they lose and Romania get a win then we are at the mercy of goal difference. It could be a risky strategy for them but one I wouldn’t blame them for adopting
I’m going to go for a France win as they continue their 100% record in the tournament. Switzerland will then have to hope that Albania do them a favour. Hosts to win this one.
