Switzerland v France – Stade Pierre Mauroy at 20:00 live on BBC One
Familiar foes, Switzerland and France will meet tomorrow at the Stade Pierre Mauroy for their last group match, with the hosts looking to secure top spot in group A and the Swiss just needing a point to reach the last 16.
This is the 4th time the two sides have met in the group stages of the last 7 major international tournaments. France are already assured a place in the knockout stages and will be looking to finish in 1st, whilst Switzerland, currently on 4 points, need a draw to qualify, but a win would snatch top spot of the hosts hands.
France come into the match with a 100% record having defeated Romania and Albania in their first 2 matches. It’s been anything but plain sailing for Les Bleus though, needing every minute in both games to ensure victory. Three of their 4 goals scored have come after the 89th minute, including both, in their 2-0 win over Albania.
They have registered a huge 36 shots in their 2 games, but failed to get a single shot on target until substitute, Griezmann’s goal against the Albanian’s before Dimitri Payet slotted home their 2nd deep into injury time.
There is no doubt that with all their attacking talents, the French have under-performed so far and Didier Deschamps seems to be struggling with team selection.
Having already secured a place in the last 16, Deschamps is expected to rotate again and with Kante and Giroud, on a yellow card, they are expected to be rested.
Switzerland have also not been at their best, lucky to earn 3 points against 10-man Albania and didn’t perform any better against Romania, drawing 1-1. They vastly improved in the second half against Romania, but similar to France, they have created a lot of opportunities, 34 in 2 matches, but have scored just twice.
Switzerland would certainly settle for a point here, guaranteeing them 2nd place and will set up to do so. A draw would also be enough for France, but with the pressure off, in front of a home crowd, I think they will maintain their 100% record and are value to do so.
With a defensive display expected from the Swiss and France’s misfiring attack, a low scoring affair is on the cards, but at even money, backing France -0.5 on the Asian Handicap betting market is here the smart money should be going.
Asian Handicap Betting Recommendation: France -0.5 at 2.0
Prices correct at time of writing.
By @SC457.
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