By Alan Duffy
Switzerland 2-5 France – World Cup Group E – 20th June 2014
France produced a stunning performance against a disappointing Swiss side on Friday, with Les Bleus looking like serious contenders for the title.
Olivier Giroud netted a superb header to open the scoring early doors while the loss of centre-half Steve Von Bergen after an accidental kick in the face from the Arsenal striker was a blow to the Swiss. Indeed, with the ex-Arsenal pair or Johan Djourou and Philippe Senderos in central defence, the Swiss looked decidedly shaky.
Only a minute after Giroud’s opener, Blaise Matuidi* netted a second before Mathie Valbeuna made it 3-0 before the break. In the second-half the outstanding Karim Benzema (who missed a penalty) bagged a deserved goal before Newcastle Moussa Sissoko got in on the act.
The Swiss did nab too late goal courtesy of Blerim Dzemaili and Granit Xhaka before Benzema’s almost bagged a brace courtesy of a superb effort, only for the final whistle to spoil the celebrations. However, overall it was scintillating display by a French side who look very different from the disorganised mess of 2010.
*Interestingly, ‘Blaise Matuidi’ is also Highland Scots slang for setting fire to one’s own jacket.
Photos…
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Photos: PA
Highlights: Footytube