MX23RW : Thursday, July 4 07:09:03| >> :120:36122:36122:
[monks data]
Attendance: 51,003
Switzerland national football team
World Cup | Group Stage
Jun 20, 2014 at 8pm UK
 
France national football team

2-5

Dzemaili (81'), Xhaka (87')
FT(HT: 0-3)
Giroud (17'), Matuidi (18'), Valbuena (40'), Benzema (67'), Sissoko (73')

Match Analysis: France 5-2 Switzerland

Sports Mole offers an analysis of France's 5-2 demolition of Switzerland in Group E of the World Cup in Brazil.

France recorded their second victory in two games at the World Cup as they demolished Switzerland with a 5-2 win at the Arena Fonte Nova in Group E on Friday night.

Here, Sports Mole casts a meticulous eye over the performances of both sides.

Match statistics

Switzerland
Shots: 17
On target: 4
Possession: 58%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 12

France
Shots: 22
On target: 12
Possession: 42%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 15

Was the result fair?

Other than Germany's defeat of Portugal, this is perhaps the most emphatic victory of the tournament so far. France were by far the better side in all parts of the pitch, especially in midfield and attack where Les Bleus were particularly devastating. The Swiss played a major part in their own downfall however, having made countless mistakes all over the pitch.

Switzerland's performance

Statistically, the Swiss were favourites going into the game having been handed the seeded title over France. However, over the course of 70 minutes that descriptor couldn't have been any less accurate. Switzerland looked accomplished in the opening 20 minutes, but after that they fell asleep in defence and the game was practically over in a matter of minutes. The Swiss back four failed to communicate and were switched off far too often when France looked to break with pace.

France's performance

This was the first real test France have been handed in the World Cup and they passed it with flying colours. Despite having less of the play throughout the game, the French broke mercilessly from defence to attack and were complimented by the strength and clinical nature of the outstanding Karim Benzema.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Karim Benzema: Benzema has suffered a tough time on the international stage given the number of injuries he's been dealt, but he's now set himself up as an early frontrunner for this tournament's Golden Boot award. The Real Madrid striker has now scored three goals in two games at this World Cup and his performance tonight will add weight to claims that he has the potential to be one of the world's best frontmen.

Biggest gaffe

Philippe Senderos didn't have the best of games and it was his slip that allowed Benzema in to bag his goal. It was a great pass from Pogba, but the former Arsenal centre-back should have made a simple clearance to prevent the chance.

Referee performance

Bjorn Kuipers had a really good game, allowing both sides to play their football in an enterprising manner. He didn't stop the game too often and was able to calm any fires with a friendly bit of lecturing. Kuipers only drew one card all game, deservedly booking Yohan Cabaye with a yellow for a late challenge.

What next?

Switzerland: The Swiss will need to pick themselves up from this heavy defeat quickly as they know that a positive result against Honduras next Wednesday could see them qualify for the next round of the tournament.

France: France will now see themselves as favourites to win the group and will be looking to send out a bold message to other teams in the tournament by qualifying from Group E with nine points from nine.

ID:160988: cacheID:160988:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5202:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
France's forward Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring his teams third goal with midfielder Mathieu Valbuena, during a Group E football match between France and Honduras at the Beira-Rio Stadium in Porto Alegre during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15,
Read Next:
Half-Time Report: France in control against Switzerland
>
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Friday, July 5
 
5pm
Quarter-Finals
Spain
vs.
Germany
 
8pm
Quarter-Finals
Portugal
vs.
France
Saturday, July 6
 
5pm
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!