France have been a bit crap in their two group games so far in Euro 2016. They needed an 89th minute winner against Romania from Dmitri Payet, and two goals and two goals in stoppage time to beat Albania. But they’re through to the last 16 and can relax and rest a couple of players against Switzerland. The Swiss know that on four points, they’re essentially in the last 16 themselves. It’s the third place spot that makes it tricky. Romania and Albania clash to see who claims that.
So with just the two games, we relied on the Romanian and French talismen to get our 5/1 Sunday double.
Bogdan Stancu, Romania vs Albania
Romania have scored twice at the championship, two penalties, two penalties scored by Bogdan Stancu. They’re coming up against Albania, who committed the most number of fouls in the qualifying groups and got six red cards. What do you think we’re thinking will happen? The Albanians have given away 23 fouls so far, which is actually second highest in group A behind those angry Swiss. Romania have been good defensively but haven’t been able to get forward.
The Romanians played better against a tighter Swiss defence, so the Albanian rearguard tactics will suit them. With Stancu leading the line again, we’re thinking they’ll come out on top with the 28 year old scoring at odds of. Do not be surprised if it’s another penalty.
Dmitri Payet, France vs Switzerland
We know that France are through. But the way they’ve played suggests that Didier Deschamps won’t be rotating the squad that much. They’ve got to impress their fans after two slack games.
If it wasn’t for Dmitri Payet’s performances so far, France would be staring the exit door in the face. While it’s true they’ve had 36 shots in those two games, only seven of those have been on target. Payet got two of them and got two goals out of them, both equally magnificent. A thunderbastard into the top corner against Romania and a glorious turn which left two Albanian defenders looking sillier than that clown you got for your birthday as a kid.
He created eight chances in each game and got the Man of the Match in both. If you look up ‘crest of a wave’ there’d be a picture of Dmitri Payet on top of it with a wakeboard. He hasn’t scored from a free kick yet. This might be the game he does it. At odds of, we had to tip it.