#360fans: France vs Switzerland – UAE fans preview

Sport360 staff 10:00 19/06/2016
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  • Who will win between France and Switzerland?

    Ahead of their Group A clash in Lille on Sunday, France and Switzerland UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.

    To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.

    Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.

    FRANCE – Yves Thapele (E-commerce Manager, Dubai)

    In terms of points, things are looking pretty rosy for France. It’s six from six, four goals scored and one conceded. Late goals have been needed in both games and it is a sign of our mental strength that we scored when we had to.

    However, we’ve yet to see a really accomplished performance from Les Bleus, the sort that says ‘we are genuine contenders’. Antoine Griezmann finally scored but he and Paul Pogba have yet to produce the sort of imperious displays that we were expecting. Dimitri Payet has become a French hero with his two goals but he cannot be our only maestro.

    This last game with Switzerland will determine who claims top spot in Group A. Our neighbours have hardly been convincing either – narrowly beating a plucky Albania side before coming from a goal down to draw with Romania. Still we need to be wary of their talents. Allez Les Bleus.

    PREDICTION: France 2- 0 Switzerland

    LIKELY FRANCE XI: Lloris; Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra; Cabaye, Matuidi, Pogba; Griezmann, Payet, Gignac

    FRANCE PLAYER TO WATCH: Paul Pogba – He is our most talented player and has been amazing for Juventus these past two years.  He has never quite replicated his club form for Les Bleus, so it is time for him to take the bull by the horns against the Swiss!

    SWITZERLAND PLAYER TO FEAR: Xherdan Shaqiri – The ex-Bayern Munich player was anonymous in the two first games but he can be a really creative force. Hopefully he won’t step up against France but we need to keep him from seeing the ball.

    WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: Barasti Beach Bar

    SWITZERLAND – Nabil Selini (Senior Broker, Dubai)

    It has been 24 long years since Switzerland beat France and the memory of our 5-2 thrashing by Les Bleus at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will still be fresh in the minds of a number of our players. It is a scar that we do not wish to reopen on Sunday.

    The game in Lille will be very interesting and I imagine open too. Both sides are fighting for top spot, with Switzerland needing to beat France to jump above them. Even if we lose, our four points should be enough to take us through to the knockout stages of the European Championship for the first time ever.

    It would be great if Breel Embolo was given a chance from the start, the crowd absolutely love him, and his pace could trouble a questionable French defence. I have faith that the Nati will win.

    PREDICTION: 2-1 Switzerland

    LIKELY SWITZERLAND XI: Sommer, Lichtsteiner, Djourou, Schar, Rodriguez; Behrami, Xhaka, Shaqiri, Dzemaili, Mehmedi, Seferovic

    SWITZERLAND PLAYER TO WATCH: Granit Xhaka – Man of the match in the first two games, this is an even bigger platform for Granit to show is amazing vision and skill. I am sure he will be a Swiss hero.

    FRANCE PLAYER TO WATCH: Dmitri Payet – What a tournament he has had so far! There is no doubt he will be the most dangerous player and the most important player in the French attack, both with set-pieces and in open play.

    WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: Barasti Beach Bar…again, while Double Decker in Muroj Rotana is another option.

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