Skip to main content

Switzerland v France: Kante wants more 'beautiful' moments as Mehmedi eyes revenge

N'Golo Kante hopes France can reproduce the "beautiful" moment of their late breakthrough against Albania when they face Switzerland in Lille on Sunday.

The Euro 2016 hosts secured their place in the knockout phase thanks to substitute Antoine Griezmann's header and Dimitri Payet's fine finish in second-half injury time against Gianni De Biasi's resolute side.

"In the second half we played better, we played more quickly and finally we scored at the end of the game," Kante said. "It was beautiful for the team and a beautiful moment for the fans.

"It was difficult as the opponent wanted to stay in the competition. They needed one point for that and they fought until the end, but we managed to have success in the end."

Admir Mehmedi's strike sealed a point for Switzerland against Romania in their second group game, a result that puts qualification for the last 16 firmly in their hands.

Vladimir Petkovic's side sit second in the group on four points and they are already guaranteed at least third place, though a point would ensure they finish above Romania.

"We have some unfinished business against them," he told UEFA.com. "We know our last match against France wasn't good enough - it's certainly still in the back of our minds - but we're determined to do much better this time.

"It's bound to be a great game and a fantastic experience for us."


Key Opta stats:
- This will be the 38th meeting between these sides; France have won 16 of the previous 37, with Switzerland winning 12 (D9).
- This is the third time France have opened up a Euro campaign with two wins, after 1984 and 2000. They lifted the trophy on these two previous occasions.
- France have not had a single shot on target so far before half-time at Euro 2016.
- This will be Didier Deschamps' 50th game in charge of France (W30 D8 L11). He's the fifth coach to reach the 50-game barrier with France after Michel Hidalgo, Aime Jacquet, Roger Lemerre and Raymond Domenech.