Advancing from Group A as one of the best third-placed teams, Switzerland found out on Wednesday night that neighbours France await them in the round of 16. The world champions boast a constellation of stars, and Kylian Mbappé is undoubtedly among their brightest. With Monday’s clash looming, Swiss plans to contain the No10 and his team-mates will certainly already be set in motion.
“He’s a train,” says Silvan Widmer. Stationed on Switzerland’s right flank, the Basel defender will most likely be tasked with controlling the Paris Saint-Germain striker, who is acclaimed for his defence-piercing bursts of pace.
France vs Switzerland: live build-up
If set up in their usual 3-4-1-2 system, Vladimir Petković’s side will have two players covering Mbappé: the right centre-back and the right wing-back – as well as one of their midfielders dropping deep to lend a hand. The Nati will try to limit Mbappé’s runs in behind by pressing France, not allowing them to distribute the ball easily and thereby limiting his service.
Widmer has hinted that Switzerland are preparing to challenge France by playing with a high tempo and will harry them from the outset, in order to minimise the quality they have on the ball. The plan is to work as a unit, restrict Mbappé and, if he does get possession, keep up.
An option at right wing-back for the Nati, Widmer points out that despite being fairly quick himself, the French front man is simply on another level, “Obviously, if you face a player like Mbappé, you need the help of the whole team. We’ll need to double up on him.” The speedy Kevin Mbabu could also get the nod, having impressed in the opening game against Wales.
Inconveniently for Petković, Nico Elvedi has been unable to train this week with a foot injury, having started all three group games at right centre-back, If he’s not fit in time, his replacement could prove key, and the coach has both Manuel Akanji and Fabian Schär primed to cover. To narrow Mbappé’s sphere of influence, Remo Freuler and Granit Xhaka will also need to alternate in dropping into the centre-right to offer support and form a three-man block.
Mbappé was just 17 and yet to be called up by Didier Deschamps the last time the sides last locked horns – a goalless draw at EURO 2016. Now a FIFA World Cup winner and leading the French line, the 22-year-old can unnerve even the most resolute of defences. “I’m convinced we’ll be able to stop him,” counters Widmer. “We’re not scared.”
