Euro 2016 hosts France faced Switzerland in Lille on Sunday night knowing that a point would be enough to secure first position in Group A.
Paul Pogba starred in a strong first period from the French, but the two teams entered the interval on level terms.
The pace of the match dropped considerably in the second half, however, as both sides settled for the point which saw France top the group and Switzerland qualify in second place.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Euro 2016 coverage continues from Lille as hosts France take on Switzerland in Group A. France have already secured their spot in the round of 16 with six points from two matches, but Switzerland need a point tonight to be sure of finishing in the top two. Should be a good one!
Elsewhere in Group A, Romania will take on Albania tonight and both of those teams can still qualify. If Romania beat Albania and Switzerland lose here, Romania could finish second with a better goal difference. A win for Albania, meanwhile, would leave them third and could be enough to qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams. It is all very complicated with the new ruling it must be said!
Tonight will be the 38th meeting between these two nations in international football. France have won 16 of the previous 37 to Switzerland's 12, while nine of their clashes have finished all square. It is a rivalry that dates back to February 2005, when France won an international friendly 1-0.
In terms of their more recent meetings, France beat Switzerland 5-2 at the 2014 World Cup and also 3-1 during the group stages of Euro 2004. In fact, Switzerland are yet to win a competitive match with France – losing two and drawing three of their five fixtures. The last time that Switzerland beat their opponents tonight was an international friendly in May 1992. Can they triumph tonight? We shall see!
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Lille. I can confirm that, as expected, France boss Didier Deschamps has shuffled his pack!
TEAMS:
SUI: Sommer; Lichtsteiner, Schar, Djourou, Rodriguez; Behrami, Dzemaili, Xhaka; Shaqiri, Embolo, Mehmedi
FRA: Lloris; Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra; Cabaye, Sissoko, Pogba; Griezmann, Gignac, Coman
Switzerland boss Vladimir Petkovic has made just one change to his XI tonight, with Breel Embolo replacing Haris Seferovic in the final third. Otherwise it is the same team that drew 1-1 with Romania last time out, leaving Xherdan Shaqiri and Admir Mehmedi in the two wide positions.
France boss Deschamps, however, has made five changes to the team that started against Albania on June 15. Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba both return in place of Anthony Martial and N'Golo Kante, while Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko and Andre-Pierre Gignac replace Blaise Matuidi, Olivier Giroud and Dimitri Payet, who have all dropped to the bench in Lille. The back five remain unchanged.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 35 minutes from kickoff on this warm evening in Lille. I shall talk about hosts France a little bit later, but let's start with Switzerland, who have collected four points from their two Group A matches thus far. As a result, they are in a strong position entering tonight's match with already-qualified and indeed favourites France.
Switzerland opened their Euro 2016 challenge with a 1-0 win over a spirited Albania on June 11, before drawing 1-1 with Romania on June 15. They had to come from behind against Romania to secure a point and as a result, Petkovic's side would book their spot in the next round with a draw here.
Switzerland can lose and still finish second in Group A, but they would have to hope that Romania do not overcome Albania and indeed produce a three-goal swing in terms of goal difference. That said, even if Switzerland do not finish second, they will still more than likely qualify as one of the best third-placed teams this summer. Only two of the six third-placed teams will not make the round of 16!
La Nati did not qualify for any European Championships between 1960 and 1992, but they made Euro 1996, where they exited in the group stages. They also qualified for both Euro 2004 and Euro 2008, but again went out in the groups on both occasions. Somewhat surprisingly, Switzerland are chasing their first appearance in the knockout round of this competition and they are almost there.
As for France, Deschamps's side have already secured their spot in the last-16 after winning both of their Group A matches to date. They entered this tournament having not played a competitive match since the 2014 World Cup and while their performances have not been particularly strong, they became the first team to secure a spot in the latter stages courtesy of six points from two matches.
An emotional night on June 10 saw Dimitri Payet score a late winner in a 2-1 victory over Romania, before the hosts beat Albania 2-0 on Wednesday to move onto six points in the group. The Blues have not exactly been convincing, but it has been a tournament of few outstanding teams thus far!
France are already into the round of 16, but they need to pick up a point tonight to make sure of finishing top of the section. A Switzerland victory would leave France second and facing a tricky draw in the next round. That said, the hosts are the favourites for a reason and will not be too worried about what is awaiting them when the draw for the knockout stage is made.
France are two-time winners of the European Championships, but have not landed the crown since Euro 2000. They made the quarter-finals in both 2004 and 2012, but went out in the group stages of Euro 2008. In truth, anything less than the trophy would be seen as a disappointment this time around.
Confirmation of the two teams for tonight's match...
SUI: Sommer; Lichtsteiner, Schar, Djourou, Rodriguez; Behrami, Dzemaili, Xhaka; Shaqiri, Embolo, Mehmedi
FRA: Lloris; Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra; Cabaye, Sissoko, Pogba; Griezmann, Gignac, Coman
Here we go then - national anthem time!
Always emotional when the national anthems come on and tonight is no different. Right, the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and we are just about ready to get this Group A clash underway. A point for France secures first position in the group. Here's to an entertaining match!
KICKOFF! France get the first period underway in Lille...
... it must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium tonight, with both supporters in fine voice. As expected, France have taken control of the early possession and have already looked long to Gignac on a couple of occasions. This should be an open and entertaining match.
Pogba strikes one from just outside the Swiss box, but Djourou is on hand to make the block.
Embolo is starting through the middle for Switzerland tonight and the reported Manchester United target has been nice and bright in the opening five minutes here. Not too much to report in terms of chances, but both teams have already shown plenty of attacking intent in this Group A clash.
You just get the feeling that the first goal tonight - if there indeed is one - could be vital. Just a reminder that France are already through, but they need a point here to secure first position in the group. If they lose, Switzerland would secure their spot in the round of 16 as winners of the section.
Super defending from Rami as the France centre-back just manages to beat Lichtsteiner to the ball after Embolo had looked to find his teammate inside the France box. Rami had to make that!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Switzerland to take the lead as a dangerous corner from the right causes all sorts of problems inside the France box, but Pogba just manages to clear after Schar had made contact at the near post. Embolo was also involved in that coming-together!
It has been a strong start from Switzerland as they continue to commit men forward here.
CROSSBAR! First chance for Pogba as the French midfielder curls one towards the top corner, but Sommer manages to push it onto the crossbar and behind. Super effort from Pogba there!
SAVE! Pogba again for France as the Juventus midfielder absolutely hammers one towards the bottom corner, but Sommer makes a wonderful right-handed save. What a stop!
Dzemaili decides to have a go from outside the box after working some space, but his effort is deflected into the arms of Lloris, who looks to release Coman in a wide position. The pace of this match is relentless as both teams continue to attack with pace and purpose all over the park.
CROSSBAR! Pogba again for France as the midfielder absolutely smashes one towards the top corner from distance, but the ball hits the top of the crossbar. He could have had three!
I am not entirely sure what Pogba had for his pre-match meal, but I want some. The Juventus midfielder is full of it here as he continues to glide across the turf. Pogba turns provider as he delivers a stunning cross towards Gignac, but Djourou just about does enough inside the box.
Mehmedi cuts inside for Switzerland before having a go, but his effort was always over!
Coman uses his pace to break away from the Swiss defence and manages to find a cross towards Griezmann, but Switzerland have players back and manage to clear once again. Down the other end, Koscielny is too strong for Embolo, who looks very dangerous with his power and pace here.
Sommer comes and doesn't get there as another cross from Evra threatens the Swiss box, but the ball is scrambled clear before a white shirt can strike towards goal. The pressure continues from the resulting corner, but it is wonderful work from Schar, who clears just under his own crossbar!
BOOKING! Rami (France) is booked for putting his boot into the face of Mehmedi.
Well, 28 minutes on the clock and at the moment, Switzerland have the point they need to book their spot in the next round. France, meanwhile, have the point they need to top the group. Neither team is settling for a draw seemingly though as they both continue to commit players forward.
Smart work from the Swiss as Dzemaili sets up Embolo inside the French box, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner. Both teams are showing their attacking intent in this match.
Coman delivers a super cross from the left into the Swiss box, but Griezmann cannot grow tall enough and the team in red can restart proceedings with a goal-kick. Still goalless here.
Koscielny has had a strong tournament for France thus far and that has continued in this match. Embolo is always a threat with his pace and power, but Koscielny is winning the battle at the moment.
We have not seen too much from Shaqiri tonight and in truth, the Stoke City midfielder has had a disappointing tournament thus far. He is given the chance to run away from Evra down the France left, but Cabaye is across to make a strong challenge. Still goalless with 36 minutes on the clock.
France are not too happy as the referee refuses to play advantage after Coman breaks into the Switzerland box - he was through there! Domination from the team in white at the moment.
Not too much to report in terms of chances for the last 15 minutes or so and Switzerland have just managed to stop the majority of France's attacks before they have become really dangerous. Pogba remains a powerhouse in central midfield, though. He's been the best player on the park tonight.
Possession football from France as they continue to pass and probe, but the Swiss have dropped five or 10 yards in the last 10 minutes or so and the home side are finding it more difficult here.
Decent stuff from Switzerland as they threaten to end the first period on top in Lille.
HALF-TIME: Switzerland 0-0 France
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. Switzerland have had their moments in Lille, but France will feel that they should be ahead. Indeed, Pogba has been the star of the show for the home side - hitting the crossbar on two separate occasions and bringing a couple of saves from Sommer. All square after 45 minutes of this clash!
STATISTICS! France had eight attempts in the first period, two of which were on target. Switzerland, meanwhile, failed to hit the target from their six attempts. There have been some tasty challenges in Lille, but just the one booking - France's Rami for a high boot in the 25th minute.
BENCH WATCH! Switzerland have a number of attacking options on their bench tonight, with the likes of Seferovic, Derdiyok and Tarashaj all capable of making a difference tonight. France, meanwhile, have an embarrassment of options in the shape of Giroud, Martial, Matuidi and Payet.
RESTART! Switzerland resume the action in Lille...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period gathers pace here.
You just get the feeling that Switzerland fancy this. They have started the second period full of confidence and create a half-chance when Embolo delivers a dangerous cross towards Schar, but Koscielny is on hand to make the clearance. This should be a fascinating next 40 minutes or so.
Very good spell for Switzerland at the moment as they continue to put the pressure on France's back four. Just a reminder that a win for Switzerland would see them finish top of Group A.
Gignac finds a yard of space outside the Switzerland box before attempting to curl one towards the bottom corner, but Sommer is on hand to make a fairly comfortable save. Still all square here.
Oh my word! The ball has just burst after Behrami challenged Griezmann. New balls please!
You just get the feeling that one goal would be enough to win this match and Switzerland are the better team at the moment as they continue to threaten in the final third. Indeed, another half-chance arrives when Embolo chases a back-pass to Lloris and the French goalkeeper just about clears!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for France as Pogba sets up Griezmann with a super touch, but the attacker's effort is beaten away by Sommer, who makes another smart save!
We are entering the stage of the match where both managers will be considering changes, but there is no movement on either bench at the moment. It is so delicately poised in this Group A clash.
Just a reminder that as it stands, France would win Group A and Switzerland would qualify in second place. Not too much of a surprise that this game is goalless then! I am not suggesting anything, but both teams would be happy if the final whistle blew now - that is for sure.
FRANCE SUB! Payet replaces Coman for France.
Shaqiri attempts to catch out Lloris with a corner that is whipped towards goal, but it lands on top of the net and France can resume play from the dead-ball line. Still goalless in Lille.
It must be said that the pitch is pretty terrible here. The rain has not helped, but the grass is not in good shape and players continue to slip all over the place as we head for the final 20 minutes.
In all honesty, this game is very flat at the moment. Like the ball was earlier!
France have been the master of late goals in this tournament and Switzerland will be fearing another late flow in the final 15 minutes. Payet has added a new dimension to the French attack, but Switzerland are worth their point at the moment and will remain unbeaten in the group as it stands.
SWITZERLAND SUB! Seferovic replaces Embolo in Switzerland's first change.
CROSSBAR! Oh my word! Almost a sensational goal for France as Sissoko powers his way through four, five players before delivering towards Payet, but the West Ham attacker's volley smashes against the crossbar! It would have been some goal from the French!
FRANCE SUB! Matuidi replaces Griezmann for France.
Little over 10 minutes of this Group A clash remaining and we are still all square in Lille.
SWITZERLAND SUB! Shaqiri is replaced by Gelson Fernandes.
Payet strikes just wide of Sommer's post as France come close again here.
Albania are still beating Romania 1-0 in tonight's other Group A match and as a result, France will top the group and Switzerland will finish second as things stand. Albania, meanwhile, would finish third and face a wait to see whether they have done enough to make the first knockout round.
BOOKING! Koscielny (France) is booked for a poor challenge on Lichtsteiner.
Little over five minutes of this second period remaining and Switzerland have possession inside the France half. One goal for the Swiss at this stage would surely see them snatch first place in Group A!
SWITZERLAND SUB! Lang replaces Mehmedi for Switzerland.
France have a free kick just outside the box after Schar handles...
... Payet smashes the ball straight into the wall and it bounces behind for a goal kick.
Two additional minutes to be played at the end of the 90 here.
It does not appear that we will have a winner tonight as the clock ticks on and Switzerland are simply keeping hold of the ball inside their own half. Almost over in Group A!
Sagna has Dzemaili's shirt inside the box, but the referee says no. Wow!
FULL-TIME: Switzerland 0-0 France
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. The result means that France have topped Group A on seven points, while Switzerland have claimed second spot on five points. They are both through to the round of 16! That is just about it from me tonight, thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action from Lille. See you again soon!
