Switzerland – France

Switzerland and France will most likely battle it out for the first place here, as it`s hard to believe that Ecuador and Honduras will be able to challenge the top 2 spots after losing in the first round.

It was an unlikely hero for Switzerland in the match against Ecuador, as Seferovic netted after 11 goalless matches to secure a dramatic 2-1 win in the last minute of overtime. The swiss did well to come from behind and win against a pretty good side, but they will have to admit it was a lucky result. Switzerland played an ok match, were slightly better and got that fortunate break at the end. It was the 18th match without losing in the last 19 for Switzerland, a pretty impressive achievement for the Europeans. We are talking about a good side here, well organized, disciplined, well managed. The quality in the squad is not brilliant, but the Swiss do have some star power and that Napoli trio in the midfield area (Inler, Behrami, Dzemaili) gives them great cohesiveness and power in the middle of the pitch.

France is in fantastic form with 5 wins to nil in their last 6 games and had little trouble defeating Honduras 3-0 on the back of a brilliant performance by Benzema. However, the first half was not really top class for France, and they needed a penalty and a sending off for Honduras before opening the score in the 45th minute. Les Bleus are rock solid at the back, but they seem to have some trouble breaking down disciplined teams and crowded defenses.

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Team news & lineups

Both teams are healthy ahead of this match, of course France will miss Ribery who got injured before the tournament.

Switzerland: Benaglio – Lichtsteiner, Djourou, Von Bergen, Rodriguez – Inler, Shaqiri Behrami, Stocker, Xhaka – Drmic.

France: Lloris – Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra – Cabaye, Matuidi, Pogba – Valbuena, Benzema, Griezmann

Switzerland will be a real test for France, and I have doubts over Les Bleus’ ability to control the midfield in this one. I fancy the double chance on the Swiss team, but I can also see France grabbing a 1 goal win, so I`ll stay away from that bet. My tip is under 2,5 goals. It should be a tight and evenly matched encounter, Switzerland will mostly defend and  France will have problems breaking down their tactical setup. Of course, Les Bleus should be able to keep a clean sheet considering their top class defensive efforts recently. There are also not many reasons for too much risk taking by the two sides, and the odds on the under should not be higher than 1.70 here. Prediction: Switzerland – France 0-1.

Pick: under 2,5 goals
Odds: 1.92 @ Sbobet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.36
Event date: 20 June