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Euro 2016: Switzerland follow France through to last 16 with a draw

Last updated on: June 20, 2016 10:41 IST

IMAGE: France's Adil Rami fouls Switzerland's Admir Mehmedi resulting in a yellow card. Photograph: Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters.

Switzerland followed France through to the last 16 of Euro 2016 by holding the host nation to a 0-0 draw in their final Group A match on Sunday after the unlucky French hit the woodwork three times on Sunday.

France had the best chances in a lively first half but the intensity then dropped, with both sides looking happy with a result that means Les Bleus win the group with seven points from three games ahead of the Swiss in second two points back.

IMAGE: Switzerland's Granit Xhaka has his shirt ripped after a challenge by France's Paul Pogba. Photograph: Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters.

Paul Pogba, criticised for his first two outings, stepped up a gear and hit the bar twice before the break. France struck the woodwork again 15 minutes from time with a spectacular volley by substitute Dimitri Payet after some fine build-up play.

Switzerland, who have never beaten France at the finals of a major tournament, looked far more competitive than when they were thrashed 5-2 by the same opponents in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

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Source: REUTERS
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