Switzerland draw with France 0-0 to reach round of 16

Updated: 2016-06-20 09:55

(Xinhua)

French player Paul Pogba tears the jersey of soccer player Granite Xhaka from Switzerland during the Euro 2016 Group A soccer match between Switzerland and France at the Pierre Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve, near Lille, France, Sunday, June 19, 2016. [Photo/IC]

LILLE - 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 of the Euro 2016 tournament.

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 four best third-placed teams.

Romania were sent packed with only one point.

Switzerland coach vladimir Petkovic said, "We played well and held firm. We're through, we can rest up and it's for other sides to push to play against us."

France manager Didier Deschamps defended his decision to send a under-strength squad.

"I am not blind," he said. "I realise we are capable of better performances, but a second competition is beginning right now for us. It will begin next Sunday, we have got a long week and time to get prepared.

"Technically Switzerland did some really good things as well, but we had the best chances. We can't say they had a lot. With more composure and a bit of luck, we could have won this game. In terms of controlling the game, we should be able to do more and to avoid having to do so much defending."