Coming off big wins against their first opponent, France and Switzerland will be looking to join Netherlands, Chile, and Columbia as the teams that will advance to the round of 16. Even though neither team will be eliminated with a loss, it would be nice for either sides to get a win and get comfortable before moving on the round of 16.
A clutch injury time goal by Haris Seferov put Switzerland in a fortunate spot with three points in the group stage.
The Swiss caught a lucky break against Ecuador as none of La Tri’s midfielders and attackers attempted to run back on defense as the European side unleashed a counter-attack. The goal by Haris Seferov off Ricardo Rodriguez’s low cross was the dagger that made Ecuador’s chances of advancing much more difficult and Switzerland’s chances far easier. Coming off a 2-1 victory, the Swiss aren’t pressured to beat France since they can easily put away Honduras in the following match and advance, but that doesn’t mean they will slack off from a chance at victory.
Josip Drmic will be hungry to bounce back from a subpar performance against Ecuador and show the world and his future club Bayer Leverkeusen that he is more than capable of playing against the world’s best with strong showing against France. It’s unlikely that Ricardo Rodriguez will repeat his standout game against the French, so Grant Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri must step it up in the midfield and creating attacking chances from their side of the pitch.
After a lopsided 3-0 massacre against Honduras, the French are aware that their next opponent will present a tougher challenge, given that they aren’t prone to make brash challenges and get sent off. Despite the impressive scoreline, Les Bleus struggled to show world class cohesion against Honduras until Wilson Palacios got sent off. Still, the French were fortunate to see that Karim Benzema’s form has translated well from club to nation and got a productive showing from Mathieu Valbuena. Looking to shake off demons of 2010, France can easily shake off a predictable Swiss side and punch an early ticket to the round of 16.
"Projected Starting XISwitzerland: Benagl, Lichst, Scharr, Von Ber, Rodriguez, Behrami, Inler, Shaqiri, Xhaka, Dzemai, DrmicFrance: Lloris, Debuchy, Sakho, Varane, Evra, Pogba, Cabaye, Matuidi, Valbuena, Benzema, Griezmann"
Keys for Switzerland
– Don’t allow France to get in rhythm. The Swiss must take control of the game early as possible before France develops any sort of cohesion whatsoever.
– Start Fabian Scharr. If he doesn’t play, the Swiss backline will look more fragile than it already is.
– Don’t hesitate to attack. Switzerland has enough talent to expose France’s inexperienced backline. If they do so, they will catch that early lead.
Keys for France
– Find that early rhythm. French football is unstoppable when every player is on the same wavelength.
– Score first. If a team like France holds a lead against you, you’d be pretty discouraged from making a comeback.
– Big game needed from Paul Pogba. The central midfielder holds the key to putting this match in the bags.
Key Battles
Pogba vs Behrami: If Switzerland wants to hinder France from finding any rhythm, their job is to shut down Paul Pogba. Behrami take note.
Scharr vs Benzema: This is Scharr’s first test to show major European clubs that he is capable of playing outside the Swiss League. He contains Benzema, then he can surely contain the best.
Shaqiri vs Evra: If Shaqiri ever wants to expose the flanks, it’ll take more than just speed to get past an aging Evra. The Swiss could use another option in the attack, and Shaqiri holds that power to do so.
"Staff PredictionsYoung Kim: France 1 – Switzerland 0. This will be a dull affair as both teams will desperately look for some sort of rhythm on the attack. How off-rhythm? Probably as bad as Trinidad James (@1:46) in this horrendous freestyle. Luckily France’s class talent will pull through in the final minutes for the game-winning goal.Charles Kim: France 2-0. Benzema has filled the void as a talisman like Thierry Henry, Ribery, and Zidane were in previous World Cups. He will be expected to do it again for this game and France will be able to coast this game without too much hardship."