UEFA Euro 2020: France vs Switzerland Preview
Written by Jacobs Dunga
France take on Switzerland in a second round game at the national arena in Bucharest, capital city of Romania.
Reigning world champions, France finished top of the “group of death” and will be looking to show the form that won them the world cup on Russian soil in 2018.
France are yet to impress in this tournament as they only secured a slim victory recorded over Germany in their opening game which was followed by a disappointing draw against supposed minnows Hungary. Their last group game wasn’t any different as it took a Benzema brace to come out with a draw against defending champions, Portugal.
Vladimir Petkovic’s team qualified as one of the best third placed teams. They drew their opener against Wales before gown down to Italy in their next group game by three goals. The Swiss team were in top gear in their last group game as they tore apart Turkey with Xherdan Shaqiri masterminding that victory.
Style of Play
Didier Deschamps’ men play a direct brand of football relying on the brilliance of Paul Pogba to always come up with that incisive pass and trusting Mbappe – who is yet to hit his strides at the tournament – to run behind opposing defenders. Lucas Hernandez has been immense in the attacking phase and comes handy for the french team going forward.
Deschamps believes in the presence of Kante to break opposition attacks thereby launching a fast move for Benzema to hold up play while others transit. However, the French team can be sloppy at the back with Kimpembe being the weak link in the defence while Pavard’s recovery can be taken advantage of.
France have an average of 1.9 goals scored and 0.6 conceded per game.
The Swiss team are more of a counter attacking side, breaking in numbers with Rodriguez and Mbabu creating width on both sides of the attack to complement the presence of bulky Seferovic and the more dynamic Embolo upfront. Shaqiri should be a focal point as he picks most of the second balls knowing that his team play a lot of crossings.
Petkovic’s team score a lot of goals at 2.2 per game as was evident in the game against Turkey. They as well can be open at the back with at least 1.2 goals conceded per 90 minutes.
Recent form
France are unbeaten in their last ten outings winning seven and recording six clean sheets in that period.
Prior to this tournament, Switzerland only lost one of their last seven games and won five consecutively before their draw in the tournament opener.
Switzerland in this encounter will be seeking their first ever win over the French side.
Head-To-Head
Two goalless draws in the 2006 world cup and EURO 2016 are the only positive results for Switzerland in five previous meetings between the two sides.
France demolished them 5-2 in the 2014 world cup in Brasil.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kylian Mbappe will be hoping to make a statement for the first time since the tournament began. with Pogba being in fine form, the French team is well oiled to perfection
Breel Embolo should cause the French backline a few headaches with his pace while Shaqiri is on course for another man of the match performance.
VERDICT
I see the French team edging this one comfortably.
France 2-0 Switzerland
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