Group A – Final round preview

How they got here

France

The hosts had two very hard fought games that ended up with massive joy, with both wins coming in the last minutes. It might be arguable if they performed up to the standards expected to one of the main candidates, but the truth is that they have two wins and qualification is guaranteed.

Switzerland

Much like France, Switzerland was able to get the results expected, with the draw against Romania being acceptable due to circumstance, but the quality of their play was up to debate. It was with that draw that Switzerland pretty much took the driving seat for qualification, needing only a draw to assure the second place in the group.

Romania

Two good displays of defensive organization, very hard fought teamwork, but it some lacks of concentration that were enough for Romania to not be in a much better position for the last match. Their quality of play was very interesting and they were one of the good teams of the group stage.

Albania

One of the fairytale stories in France might still end in joy. It’s certain that they lost both games, but against strong opposition as the likes of France and Switzerland, Di Biasi’s team did very well, creating chances – not many, obviously – and holding their opponents attacking forces. They deserved at least a point from one of those games, but their finishing and lack of experience did them.

What they need

France

Expect Deschamps to give a chance to some of the players that weren’t used yet. It’s hard to say how many and which players will Les Bleus’ manager will rotate, but France knows that they only need a draw to win the group so it’s not expected that they’ll get desperate if the win seems in danger.

Switzerland

It wouldn’t be surprising to see a sort of pact of no-aggression between France and Switzerland, as the draw will serve pretty much every expectation that both teams had at the start of that group. More than that, Switzerland knows Romania is coming for them, and if they lose they risk falling to third.

Romania

It’s do or die, against Albania. Romania knows that a win will be a great boost for their qualification, especially if they see Switzerland loses with France. That would guarantee Iordanescu’s team the second place, but the win might be enough, depending on the other groups 3^rd placed team’s points.

Albania

Much like Romania, Albania knows that a win gives them 3^rd place, and with the rules of this competition, they’ll have to wait to see if three points are enough. But more than that, Albania will play this game trying to get their first goal and points of the competition, not necessarily because of qualification, but mostly to national pride.