Switzerland 0-0 France: EURO 2016 Group A Report

France and Switzerland played out a 0-0 draw at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille as both sides progressed through to the round of 16.

Didier Deschamps’ side secured top spot in Group A as a result after picking up seven points from their three fixtures, while the Switzerland ended with five points.

The tournament hosts struck the woodwork three times – twice through Paul Pogba and once through substitute Dimitri Payet – as they dominated the game but failed to break down a resolute Swiss defence.

Having already beaten fellow opponents Romania and Albania respectively, the French knew only a point would see them go through as group winners.

France dominated most parts of the first half; however, the game’s very first chance fell to Switzerland.

A corner whipped in from Stoke City’s Xherdan Shaqiri was met by Fabian Schar in the air, and Pogba’s miscued clearance went towards the goal-line, but Swiss forward Breel Embolo – making only his second ever international start – couldn’t poke the ball beyond Hugo Lloris.

Minutes later, Andre-Pierre Gignac’s strength in the box allowed Pogba to find space and his 25-yard strike was fumbled onto the top of the bar by Yann Sommer.

On 13 minutes, good skill from Pogba allowed Kingsley Coman to lay off the ball to the French star and his strike on the half-volley brought out a fine save from Sommer, who parried the ball away for a corner.

France finished top of Group A following their goalless draw with Switzerland. Photo: Mark Leech/Offside

With quarter-of-an-hour on the clock, Pogba again struck the woodwork with an effort from the best part of 30 yards out. The young Frenchman’s surging run and strike left Sommer with no chance and the goalkeeper luckily saw the impressive 23-year-old midfielder’s rising shot clip off the top of crossbar, as the two teams went in level at the interval.

Just before the hour mark, the French pressed again to find the opening goal. Pogba’s strength in the middle of the park and pass to Antoine Griezmann allowed the Atletico Madrid star to play a neat one-two with Gignac. The young forward’s scooped effort on his weaker foot was then hit straight at Sommer, who pushed the ball beyond for a corner.

It was the case of third time unlucky for France when Moussa Sissoko’s run on 75 minutes from inside his own half and cross into the back post was met by substitute Payet, but he could only see his controlled volley hit the underside of the crossbar and bounce to safety.

The Swiss were denied what looked a blatant penalty in stoppage time after Blerim Dzemaili was pulled to the ground by Bacary Sagna, but the referee controversially waved away any appeals.

Despite numerous chances and dominance throughout, the French failed to pick up their seventh win from seven matches in 2016, and also failed to score for the first time since November – a friendly defeat against England at Wembley.

Man of the Match: Paul Pogba (France)

The young Frenchman showed his class throughout the game and struck the woodwork twice, including an effort from 30 yards. His calmness and strength on the ball contributed to the host’s dominance in the midfield areas.

After being dropped for the previous game, it was clear to see the French playmaker was keen to prove his talent to manager, Didier Deschamps, and he may have just secured his place in the starting line-up for the knockout stages with this performance.

What’s Next?

France will face one of the best third-placed teams from either Group C, D or E, with the tie being played next Sunday.

Meanwhile, Switzerland will face the second-placed team from Group C, which features Germany, Poland, Northern Ireland and Ukraine. The tie will be played next Saturday.