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Hitzfeld and Deschamps expect tight Swiss-French duel
Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld and France counterpart Didier Deschamps expect a tight match when their sides meet on Friday.
20 June 2014, 9:36am
Staff Reporter
Staff Reporter
1 min read
Coach Didier Deschamps of France during a press conference of the French team in Salvador ahead of Friday's World Cup game against Switzerland. Photo by EPA/MARIUS BECKER
Both sides can book a place in the last 16 of the World Cup if they win the Group E game in Salvador, depending on the Ecuador-Honduras result, and Hitzfeld said the encounter between the two neighbours would be "a big derby."
Deschamps meanwhile said he could call on his players including midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who has recovered from a groin strain.
Switzerland earned a late 2-1 win over Ecuador, while France were 3-0 winners over Honduras in their first group games.
"They are good in attack and function like a machine," Hitzfeld said of France at training in the Arena Fonte Stadium on the eve of the game.
"We have to be aggressive and move quickly from defence to attack - then we have a chance."
Deschamps meanwhile returned the compliment, saying the Swiss were a side that deserved the highest respect.
"They are a strong opponent and we will have to be at our best against them. Mental strength will play a part. All details are important."
