June 15 – Romania – Switzerland:Victory at the Parc des Princes will ensure Switzerland reach the knock-out stage of the European Championship finals for the first time – and become the first side at Euro 2016 to guarantee their place in the last 16.
The Swiss were anything but convincing against Albania and can expect a sterner test in their second outing. Romania qualified with one of the best defensive records yet proved against France that they are also dangerous going forward. Only Dimitri Payet’s wonder goal robbed them of the chance to secure a point and they now have little room for error.
The Romanians were crestfallen to lose 2-1 and their coach said it would be hard to rouse them psychologically to face the Swiss which suggests he will freshen up his line-up.
Russia-Slovakia
All eyes will be on what happens in the stands with Russia on precarious ground after UEFA’s sanction of a suspended disqualification. On the field, Slovakia coach Jan Kozak will make changes following their lacklustre display against Wales and are bound to have a real go against Russia’s ageing backline, so fortunate to only concede only once against England.
Slovakia are not quite in the last chance saloon but a second successive loss would leave them facing an uphill struggle. Ján Kozák, Slovakia coach, said his side have learned from the Welsh defeat and must take their chances.
France-Albania
Didier Deschamps is expected to stick with the same team that beat Romania in the host nation’s opening match but France very much have room for improvement against an Albanian side without captain Lorik Cana, sent off against Switzerland.
Almost a year ago to the day, Albania beat France for the first time in their history. Fast forward twelve months and France extended their run to one defeat in the subsequent 11 matches with that last-gasp victory over Romania. They were far from perfect but hadn’t tasted competitive football for two years.
Albania coach Gianni De Biasi was frustrated at his side’s missed chances against the Swiss. Another defeat might well put them out but they could be in for a tougher night in Marseille.
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