Schär & Co. into last 16 after draw against France

Fabian Schär is the first of four Hoffenheim players to make it to the last 16 of EURO 2016. Switzerland held France to a 0-0 draw in the final group match against Spain to make it into the European Championship round of 16 for the first time.

Switzerland, who started with Schär in the centre of defence, began well, as Schär threatened the French goal with a header from Shaquiri’s corner. However, the best chance of the opening stages fell to Pogba for France but Yann Sommer was on hand to parry his shot over the crossbar. The hosts put Fabian Schär & Co. under pressure but the game remained open and the teams went into the break all square at 0-0.

It continued to be anyone’s game after the restart in Lille with the French still having the best of the chances notably when substitute Payet rattled the woodwork. Switzerland did not create any noteworthy chances but achieved their primary aim of qualifying for the round of 16.

The Switzerland national team will progress to the last 16 as second place in their group with five points and play their first match of the knockout stages in St Etienne on Saturday, 25th June. Their opponents will be the second placed team from Germany’s group.