Switzerland follow France through to last 16 with drab draw

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Switzerland followed France through to the last 16 of Euro 2016 by holding the host nation to a 0-0 draw in their final Group A match on Sunday after the unlucky French hit the woodwork three times on Sunday.

Didier Deschamps sprung a huge surprise before kick-off, leaving out star of the tournament and former Lille player Dimitri Payet.

But it was Paul Pogba who took over centre stage in the opening half, twice denied by Swiss keeper Jann Sommer before clipping the bar with a venomous drive.

Paul Pogba twice hit the woodwork for France in their 0-0 draw with Switzerland

That was about all there was to shout about as the Swiss raised their game markedly in the second half, a burst ball and succession of ripped Swiss shirts the major talking points before Payet’s late introduction.

And the West Ham maestro almost instantly supplied another moment to remember, smashing a volley against the bar from Moussa Sissoko’s excellent cross.

The Swiss had just appeals for a penalty turned down in the final minute when Blerim DÅ¾emaili had his shirt tugged by Bacary Sagna.

France's Bacary Sagna in action with Switzerland's Ricardo Rodriguez

But the Swiss will still be delighted to make the round of 16 for the first time after Albania beat Romania 1-0 in the other Group A fixture. The draw leaves France top on seven points with the Swiss on five.

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