Friday 20/06/2014, 21:00, World Cup Group E, Switzerland vs France

Switzerland vs France Betting Preview

This is the match that can determine whether Switzerland advances to the next stage or if they will have to fight through in the final round of Group E. They are no longer the great defensive team that stunned Spain, but under Hitzfeld's reign, they emerged as a more effective offensive squad. The fact that they now have a handful of young players upfront, capable of playing at the same level for 90 min. definitely helps, but it is unlikely for Switzerland to play offensive football against France.

Switzerland vs France Betting Odds

At Bet365

Switzerland 3.50, Draw 3.30, France 2.10

Switzerland vs France Betting Tips

Depending on the outcome of the match against Ecuador, Switzerland will be forced to come out firing against France or shift into a defensive gear. Very few doubt their ability of winning the last match of the group stage against Honduras, so those are three points that they can rely on.

On paper, Hitzfeld uses a 4-5-1 starting formation with Seferovic upfront, but against Ecuador and Honduras, the Europeans are expected to move Shaquri and Stocker to the offense. Shaquri is not yet experienced enough to act as a playmaker, but he is making giant leaps forward and his stint with Bayern Munchen helped him hone his skills much faster.

France is not as fragile defensively as some might suspect, while opponents are correct in fearing their midfielders and especially the wings. Ribery and Valbuena can also join Benzema upfront if needed, while Pogba and Cabaye are expected to assist him on the flanks.

France players have already suffered a rock-bottom career meltdown last time the team played at the World Cup, but with Deschamps at the helm, they are expected to perform much better. The qualifying campaign was a thriller but what fans remember is the way the team rebounded for the decisive match against Ukraine when they scored three goals without allowing one.

Key Facts

• France won five of the last six games and kept a clean sheet in all these victories.
• 3/6 head to head games between the two teams ended undecided, and two of them were scoreless draws

Switzerland vs France Betting Odds Prediction

The team that finishes second in Group E will be playing against Argentina, while the winner will probably lock horns with Nigeria or Bosnia and Herzegovina. It goes without saying that facing the South Americans is the worst-case scenario, so France won't risk finishing behind Switzerland. Even though they could settle for a draw in this match, they will try to secure all three points and will take advantage of their opponents' defensive stance. A blowout victory is unlikely, but a narrow margin win is worth backing on.

Bet: France @ 2.10 with Bet365