Switzerland hold France on a goalless draw to reach last 16

Switzerland and France played out a Euro 2016 goalless draw which took the Swiss into the last 16 and saw the French win Group A.

Paul Pogba – recalled by France in one of five changes – was lively and hit the woodwork twice in the first half.

French substitute Dimitri Payet also struck the crossbar with a brilliant volley from Moussa Sissoko’s cross.

Switzerland could have had a penalty when Bacary Sagna pulled Blerim Dzemaili’s shirt in injury time.

France will now play the third-placed team from either Group C, D or E – meaning Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are both potential opponents – in Lyon on Sunday.

The Swiss will face the second-placed team in Group C, who are currently Poland but could be Germany or Northern Ireland, at Saint-Etienne the day before.

With Albania beating Romania 1-0, Switzerland would have progressed even if they had lost at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.

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