The build-up to this Group E match was dominated by talk of how Switzerland's rigid defence would nullify France's fluid attack. Yet in the end, Les Bleus ran out comfortable winners, with their forward trio doing huge damage to Switzerland's chances of making the last 16.
Olivier Giroud headed Didier Deschamps' side into a 17th-minute lead, before Blaise Matuidi doubled France's advantage by tidyly sweeping home a through-ball from Karim Benzema.
Benzema only got on the scoresheet once, but will certainly feel it could have been more. Not only did he see a first-half penalty saved by Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio, but he also saw another strike ruled out when the referee blew for full-time just as the Real Madrid striker was queueing up a last-gasp effort from the edge of the box. He was also very assured in possession, completing all 15 of his passes in the attacking third.
Arsenal forward Giroud had reportedly made clear his displeasure at not being selected by Deschamps to start the Honduras match, and his performance against the Swiss backed his case perfectly. Like Benzema, he also nabbed a goal and an assist. Giroud may have only hit the target with 1 of his 3 shots, but he provided an aerial outlet when his team were under pressure and also made a surging run that helped created Mathieu Valbeuna's goal.
Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/my/features/have-les-bleus-found-new-attacking-holy-trinity-how-stats-zone-saw-switzerland-2-5-france#Ixu8DV08PktXrsvL.99
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