FIFA World Cup 2014, Switzerland vs France: Key players to watch

Both sides boast of quality in their ranks and this match promises to be a high octane encounter, not that the fans are complaining.

European neighbours France and Switzerland will come face to face in their Group E match with qualification to the next round high on the priority list. Both sides boast of quality in their ranks and this match promises to be a high octane encounter, not that the fans are complaining. Here we have compiled a list of players on show today that may decide the outcome of the match

STAR PLAYERS

Xherdan Shaqiri: The Liverpool target was awarded the man of the match by Fifa  against Ecuador and looked solid albeit some wasteful crosses. He will have to do most of the running with the ball and improve on his distribution if his side are to beat the 1998 winners.

Karim Benzema: After bagging a brace in the opening match , Karim Benzema holds the key for France. If he has another good game, France will not find it difficult to get past their opponent. All eyes will be on the Real Madrid man as the Swiss might make things very difficult in the final third of the pitch for France.

PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR SWITZERLAND

Granit Xhaka: He is dubbed as a young Bastian Schweinsteiger by his coach and this versatile midfielder is one of the several young guns in this squad who is raring to make a name for himself at the World Cup.

Haris Sefarovic: He may have not found a permanent club for himself but this gutsy striker has what it takes to perform at a big stage . After scoring the winner against Ecuador, his confidence will be sky high coming into this match.

Gokhan Inler: The Swiss midfielder will have to protect his back four from the crafty French midfield as he does most of the running for his side. He is also an attacking option for his side with his ability to score long range goals.

PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR FRANCE

Paul Pogba: The young French midfielder was at the centre of a major brawl against Honduras and he has been warned to keep his temper under check. When he does keep his temper at check, we are talking of a player with impeccable pass completion ratio and an eye for goal that makes him one of the most talked about players in Europe.

Antoinne Griezmann: Famous for his tremendous ball control and dribbling abilities, the Real Sociedad winger has been some sort of revelation in the Spanish league. France will look to him to provide the spark in a congested midfield area guarded by the likes of Inler and Xhaka.

Mamadou Sakho: He is what we call a no nonsense defender with excellent heading abilities. He will look to put the attacking threat of the Swiss at bay and along with young Raphael Varane , he forms a solid centre back partnership.

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