Swiss won’t roll over, insists coach
SWITZERLAND have no fears coming into their game against hosts France today despite being thrashed 5-2 when they met two years ago at the World Cup in Brazil, said coach Vladimir Petkovic.
The Swiss, who have not beaten France since 1992, were blitzed in Brazil by three goals in the first 45 minutes, but with just a point needed for them to make the round of 16 they do not need to throw caution to the wind.
Petkovic said that the getting to the next phase was his priority and he was unlikely to chop and change despite four of his players facing suspension if they receive a second yellow card.
“I think it will be the same situation in the last 16. We’re not through to the knock-out rounds so we’ll play with the best team possible.”
He said the exciting French team had done well in its first two games despite facing enormous public and media pressure.
“We’ll try to play our football and cause problems for France,” Petkovic said.
“We have the chance and will try
8pm, Lille
to do the most to secure top spot which gives you, on paper at least, a slightly easier opponent for the next round.”
Meanwhile, the Frenchmen are currently at the top of the Group A table and are still undefeated.
Their dramatic 2-0 win over the obdurate Albanians sealed their passage to the last 16, but for a long while it looked like Les Bleus were going to be made to pay for their profligacy.
Three of their four goals so far have now come in the 89th minute or later and L’Equipe ran with the headline “The Kings of Suspense” in the aftermath of the match.
France coach Didier Deschamps is expected to restore Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann to his starting line-up.
Midfielder N’Golo Kante and striker Olivier Giroud are one booking away from a ban.