Winning the hardest group on the European Championship was actually no massive shock for the World Cup champions. However, just one match was to be gained in that group.
Despite this, it was sufficient for France to complete first in Group F and arrange a match towards Switzerland within the spherical of 16 on Monday.
“A new competition is starting,” mentioned France coach Didier Deschamps.
Along with Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Karim Benzema, Deschamps has sufficient attacking energy to ship back-to-back main titles, one thing that may match the nation’s achievement in 1998 and 2000.
Benzema and Mbappe swap fast passes and alter positions above the bottom, with fast considering and skillful Griezmann working behind them. But neither of them was capable of rating within the opening 1–0 win over Germany, the match being determined by Mats Hummels’ personal objective.
Griezmann got here on the scoreboard in a 1–1 draw towards Hungary, whereas Benzema scored each in a 2–2 draw towards Portugal, becoming a member of the nationwide group after practically six years of relegation.
“We know we need to improve,” mentioned midfielder Paul Pogba, considered one of France’s key gamers.
Benzema is coming off a season wherein he scored 30 targets for Real Madrid, and considered one of his earlier finest performances for France got here in a 5-2 win over the Swiss on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He scored one, set one other and disallowed one other as a result of it crossed the road simply after the ultimate whistle.
22-year-old Mbappe, who scored a career-high 42 targets for Paris Saint-Germain this season, excelled on the 2018 World Cup in Russia, scoring 4 targets alongside the way in which to assist France win their second title on the match . He achieved a type of targets in a 4–2 win over Croatia within the last.
Switzerland has its personal battle to cope with historical past.
The Swiss are hoping to finish the race with three consecutive exits within the spherical of 16 in main tournaments. Overall, he has not gained a match within the knockout stage in any main match in 67 years.
Switzerland completed third in Group A with 4 factors, advancing as one of many 4 finest third-placed groups. After a 1–1 draw with Wales and a 3–0 loss to Italy, Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic was seen by critics as damaging for technique and lack of creativity.
The group modified issues within the last group recreation, a 3–1 win over Turkey. Xherdan Shaqiri scored two targets and Haris Seferovic scored the second. Winger Steven Zuber assisted Switzerland in all three targets.
Switzerland has by no means crushed France in a aggressive recreation. In their final match at Euro 2016, the Swiss held hosts France to a 0–0 attract a gaggle match.
“The pressure will be on them,” mentioned Switzerland defender Loris Benito. “We’ll be positive.”
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
