Switzerland held hosts France to a goalless draw in their last Group A match here on Sunday and booked a berth in the round of 16.

France, who had already qualified with two wins, topped the group with seven points, followed by Switzerland with five points after beating Albania 1-0 and drawing with Romania 1-1.

Albania finally recorded their first point in the night's other game, defeating Romania 1-0 to finish third with three points. They will have to wait to find out if they go through as one of the best third-placed teams.

Romania were sent packed with only one point.

Switzerland dominated possession but created no clear cut chances. It was France who should have gone ahead thanks to efforts of their strikers Paul Pogba and Dimitri Payet.

In the 13th minute, Pogba raced down from on high, played a one-two with Kingsley Coman and then fired a shot with left foot from a narrow angle. Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer stopped it with a one-handed save.

Four minutes later, the Juventus star lashed a left-footer from 25 meters, but his effort hit the crossbar.    He then initiated another attack in the 58th minute. After fine team work with Andre-Pierre Gignac, he had a drive tipped over by a busy Sommer.

Payet, who was sent on in the second half, hit the underside of the crossbar in the 75th minute.

Source:
courtesy of XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

by Xinhua News Agency

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