France must get the job done
French international Franck Ribéry
Following their draw against England and their victory against Ukraine, the Bleus will be assured a spot in the big European last eight if they are not defeated by more than a single goal difference against the Swedes.
Having suffered two defeats without scoring a single point, Zlatan Ibrahimovitch and co. are already eliminated and will only be playing to end their disappointing tournament on a high note.
But the French coach refuses to consider qualification as a fait accompli.
“One team is going to play to qualify, the other to win even if they are already eliminated. One must not underestimate Sweden,” warned Laurent Blanc, who is wary of the Scandinavians.
“They are a difficult team to beat, very physical, with a game based specifically on physical challenges.”
Indeed, Sweden have no intention of giving up on the match, and will be set on ending their Euro well before going home.
“We did not want to find ourselves in this situation again, but we remain competitors. It is a question of honour to end well,” stated Swedish international midfielder, Kim Källström.
Having been yellow-carded against Ukraine, Mathieu Debuchy, Philippe Mexès and Jérémy Ménez are under threat of suspension for the next match and will have to be very careful.
Laurent Blanc should not be making any drastic changes to his starting line-up, but Yohan Cabaye is not certain to start the match after suffering a thigh injury against the Ukrainians.
Kick-off for this clash will be at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev at 20h45 CAT.
The other match of this Group D will see England and the Ukraine come to blows in Donetsk, with the big return of Wayne Rooney.
{message}