Group A analysis - No big surprises for the hosts

1^st France (=FIL’s Prediction)

 France, as hosts and clearly better team than the other of the group, were expected to top the table and they did that, but some will probably argue that the form they got there wasn’t brilliant. It’s a fact that the French had a lot of troubles to win their games, to break their opponents’ defenses, but the truth is that they got two late wins that made everything work accordingly.

 With Payet looking on form, France is looking in good shape to go far in the tournament, as long as they keep their defense solid. They weren’t really tested so it’s hard to say if Koscielny and Rami are ready for the knockouts.

2^nd Switzerland (=FIL’s prediction)

 In a very similar story to France’s, Switzerland ended up doing what was expected from them, but the way they achieved their second place was certainly underwhelming. They ended up backs against the wall against 10-man Albania, only could scrape out a draw out of Romania, and were never really a threat for France.

 It was the usual style for the Swiss, a great work rate and consistency, but too little flair to create danger, really dependent on Shaqiri. Especially with Petkovic’s insistency on Seferovic, that hasn’t produce any results yet. It must get frustrating with players like Embolo on the bench, but Switzerland as done as they were obliged, in the end.

3^rd Albania (>FIL’s Prediction)

  One of the fairytales of the tournament, must end up in a bit of disappointment for them, as they end up being one of the 3^rd places teams that goes home. They were punished by their own inexperience in the first two games that, with a bit more composure, could’ve resulted in different scenarios.

 Lenjani was one of the good revelations, with Hysaj confirming he is a class above his teammates. Lorik Cana was a big letdown, when he was supposed to see the voice of experience.

4^th Romania (<FIL’s Prediction)

 It was the game against Albania that dictated the disappointment for Romania. Up to that game they were very decent, making France working very hard for the win, and managing a rewarding draw against Switzerland that made them dream.
 It wasn’t to be, as their inability to create decent chances and a defensive mishap defeated them, throwing them to the last place of the group.

 Stancu and Stanciu were two of the good headlines for Romania, but Chiriçes and Tatarusanu weren’t up to par and were on focus in the Albanian goal.