As the European Under-21 Championship's group stage reaches its climax, Switzerland Under-21s must at least avoid defeat against Group D's top team France Under-21s if they are to progress on Wednesday.
After failing to complete a dramatic comeback against Italy at the weekend, the Swiss are level with the Azzurrini on three points; meanwhile, Les Bleuets eliminated Norway to put one foot in the quarter-finals.
Match preview
Though Switzerland successfully fought back from behind to earn a 2-1 win over Norway in their opening match of Euro 2023, events in Cluj-Napoca on Sunday afternoon then left their hopes of progress in the balance.
Having found themselves three goals down to neighbours Italy after a torrid first half, they scrapped their way back into contention for a precious point through Kastriot Imeri's second goal of the tournament and a Zeki Amdouni strike within 10 minutes of the restart.
There were then several more chances at either end, and - in the absence of VAR - the Azzurrini survived a strong penalty claim for a foul on Imeri. Patrick Rahmen's Switzerland side ultimately came up just short, though, and must now take at least one point from their clash with France to reach the quarter-finals.
Since finishing runners-up in 2011, the Swiss have failed to even reach the European Under-21 finals on several occasions, and they were eliminated in the group stage two years ago. Therefore, a return to the knockout phase is certainly overdue for the Alpine nation's young guns.
On this occasion, they certainly are not lacking in firepower: Switzerland have now netted in eight straight matches, while Basel striker Amdouni has also tallied five goals in as many senior international appearances this year, having scored three times during this month's Euro 2024 qualifiers.
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France, too, pose plenty of defensive problems for opponents, and after leaning on some good fortune to edge past Italy in their Euro 2023 opener, they continued their perfect start at the weekend.
Michael Olise turned home his first goal for Les Bleuets in a 1-0 defeat of Norway, to help his team move three points clear at the top of Group D. Now, simply avoiding defeat to Switzerland would see France secure top spot, meaning they would then play their quarter-final in Cluj, where they have been based so far.
Captain Maxence Caqueret has already extolled the virtues of finishing first, such as avoiding travelling, and has stated it as a goal for a side expected to go deep into the competition after suffering a disappointing quarter-final exit in 2021.
As coach Sylvain Ripoll could turn to three substitutes of proven quality against Norway - Elye Wahi scored 19 Ligue 1 goals for Montpellier this season, Amine Gouiri netted 15 for Rennes, and Rayan Cherki has been a regular for Lyon - there is no doubting the depth of France's talent pool this summer.
They may not have won the Under-21 Euros since 1988, but after coming through their qualifying campaign with eight wins and two draws - conceding just five times, while scoring 31 goals themselves - the pre-tournament favourites are well placed to set that straight.
Team News
Once again, Basel forwards Zeki Amdouni and Dan Ndoye are set to lead the Switzerland attack on Wednesday, while Kastriot Imeri should continue on the right wing after scoring in both games so far.
Parma midfielder Simon Sohm captains the side, while goalkeeper Amir Saipi will aim to continue in the same vein after making several excellent saves to keep the game alive against Italy.
While there are numerous options open to France boss Sylvain Ripoll, who has generally favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation, Bradley Barcola could come in for a start due to a hamstring injury for Olise in the win over Norway; the Crystal Palace man is reportedly set for several weeks of recuperation.
Maxence Caqueret is likely to play a deep-lying role in midfield, with Enzo Le Fee favourite for the 'number 10' role.
Potential changes to Ripoll's starting XI could include Mohamed Simakan being demoted from the back four, as Loic Bade returns after serving a suspension for being sent off against Italy.
Switzerland Under-21s possible starting lineup:
Saipi; Blum, Stergiou, Burch, Omeragic; Imeri, Sohm, Rieder, Jashari, Ndoye; Amdouni
France Under-21s possible starting lineup:
Chevalier; Kalulu, Bade, Lukeba, Nkounkou; Kone, Caqueret; Barcola, Le Fee, Gouiri; Kalimuendo
We say: Switzerland Under-21s 2-2 France Under-21s
Though they ultimately came up short on Sunday, Switzerland have only failed to score in two of their last 26 Under-21 Euros qualifying or finals matches and will surely threaten the French defence. France, though, can draw and still seal first place, and with more squad rotation likely, Les Bleuets may settle for a point.
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Spain U21s
