France

The French national team evokes mixed feelings in this tournament – on the positive side, the French scored goals in all the matches they played, demonstrated solid defense against Germany, and achieved a narrow 1-0 victory. On the other hand, the French almost stumbled against Hungary, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw. In the last group match against Portugal, the French conceded 2 goals, marking the first match in the group where obvious defensive gaps were visible. Although the match ended in a 2-2 draw, the team will advance to the knockout stage not in the best spirits.

Of course, no one expected that any team in the tough Group F would win all their matches and have 9 points. Although the French performance is not entirely convincing, the first step has been taken – they won the group. There is also concern about Kylian Mbappe's form – considered one of the best players in the world, the Frenchman has not scored a single goal in the tournament and created very few dangerous moments in all the group matches. Perhaps the most dangerous moment for Mbappe was against Germany when he demonstrated individual skill and scored a goal, but it was disallowed due to an offside.

The 2-2 draw with Portugal marked the 10th consecutive match in which the French national team has not lost an official game. To win against the Swiss national team, the French will need to play more confidently on both sides of the field and demonstrate the individual skill that the team possesses but has not yet fully utilized.

Switzerland

The Swiss national team started the Euro 2020 tournament rather blandly – a 1-1 draw with Wales, a 0-3 loss to Italy, but in the match that decided the team's fate, the Swiss played confidently and defeated Turkey 3-1. This last match against Turkey gives Swiss fans hope before the match against France, as the Swiss demonstrated the character and play expected of them before the championship started.

The Swiss national team is far from the most talented team in the championship, defends quite averagely, and shone in attack only in the last match against the weakest team in the group. Nevertheless, this team is well-coached, so good team play cannot be denied.

X. Shaqiri, who was supposed to be the leader of the Swiss team and had a rather poor season with Liverpool, shone when it was most needed. Shaqiri scored 2 of the 3 goals against Turkey, and S. Zuber assisted all three Swiss goals. Although the Swiss have not passed the round of 16 barrier for 3 consecutive times, they might have a chance against a French team that is also not showing its best form. The Swiss should not be under great pressure, as no one expects much from them, so if they start the match successfully or even score a goal, it could be very interesting.

Predicted starting lineups:

France
Lloris; Varane, Lenglet, Kimpembe; Pavard, Kante, Pogba, Hernandez; Griezmann; Mbappe, Benzema;

Switzerland
Sommer; Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Xhaka, Freuler, Zuber; Shaqiri; Embolo, Seferovic.

Prediction

Bookmakers highlight the French as clear favorites, and it would be illogical to disagree. The Swiss might surprise by scoring a goal and maintaining intrigue for a longer time, but sooner or later, the French should take the initiative and demonstrate why they are considered the most likely contenders to lift the Euro 2020 champion's trophy.