The second match of the day is a meeting between two European neighbors. France and Switzerland both took three points Sunday; France beat Honduras 3-0 and Switzerland scored a late, late goal to beat Ecuador 2-1. Either team that wins today is in the driver seat to win the group and avoid Argentina in the next round.
What’s At Stake
The other match in this round will be a scrap this evening between Ecuador and Honduras, with the South Americans (Ecuador, for my non-geography-buff readers) favored to win. Assuming they come through, and since France play them last, Switzerland can guarantee themselves qualification with a win today. Of course, France are through if they win and Honduras win, and either is through with a win here and a draw in the other game.
Both sides expect to win next week, so a defeat or draw isn’t deadly to either.
Switzerland play 4-2-3-1 with Gokhan Inler and Valon Behrami making up the “2.” The young, skillful front four interchange easily. France’s solid defense must be attentive.
France played a 4-3-3 in their first match with three real ball-playing midfielders and Mathieu Valbuena creating from the wing. Switzerland’s above-mentioned midfield destroyers may have their hands full; look for the Swiss attackers to take turns dropping back to help.
Players to Watch
Switzerland: Stephane Lichsteiner, the right back. Shaqiri, who plays ahead of him, likes to cut in. Lichsteiner will be important providing width going forward and will have to be careful to get back.
France: Yohan Cabaye. He plays deeper for France than he usually has at club level. His discipline and creativity will be key today.
Daniel Mann and Efan Ekoku. These two were frustrated by yesterday’s tightly refereed Japan vs. Greece match. Today should be better.
Match-specific Drinking Games
Missing star: Take a shot whenever a commentator mentions the injured French star Franck Ribéry. Bonus shot if his image appear onscreen. How drunk? Light buzz.
Once in a Blue Moon: Take a shot whenever Antonio Valencia touches the ball with his left foot. How drunk? Maybe one shot. Maybe.
Small: Take five shots if you mistake the diminutive Mathieu Valbuena for one of the children who accompany the players onto the field. How drunk? Careful, now. Don’t get complacent.
Switzerland: Goldschläger, of all things.
France: Red wine. It’s Friday! Treat yourself to a glass.
For more:
– Read my general World Cup watching guide.
– Check out Zonal Marking, my favorite tactics website.
– See a commentary schedule or a review of each commentator.
– See where I’m getting my national drink recommendations.
– Check out other match previews from this group: France vs. Honduras, Switzerland vs. Ecuador
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