Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

World Cup PHOTOS: Five-star France crush sloppy Swiss

June 21, 2014 03:16 IST
Olivier Giroud of France (left) celebrates scoring his team's first goal

France crushed Switzerland 5-2 in the World Cup Group E match in Salvador on Friday to move closer to knockout phase four years after one of their darkest days.

France, who beat Honduras 3-0 in their opening game, top the standings with six points and will advance if Ecuador and Honduras draw later.

France blasted two goals within 66 seconds as Olivier Giroud headed them into the lead after 17 minutes and Blaise Matuidi added a second almost straight from the restart.

"That was a very good match, we did a lot of things right," France coach Didier Deschamps said in a television interview.

"Five goals against a strong Swiss team, we've got six points, that's ideal."

- Complete coverage of the football World Cup

Please click NEXT for more...

World Cup PHOTOS: Five-star France crush sloppy Swiss

June 21, 2014 03:16 IST
Switzerland goalkeeper Diego Benaglio saves the penalty from Karim Benzema

In the 31st minutes, Swiss defender Johan Djourou was harshly adjudged to have fouled France striker Benzema which resulted in a penalty. However, Swiss goalkeer Diego Benaglio came up with a fine save to deny the French.

- Complete coverage of the football World Cup

Please click NEXT for more...

World Cup PHOTOS: Five-star France crush sloppy Swiss

June 21, 2014 03:16 IST
Mathieu Valbuena of France scores his team's third goal

Giroud then played his part to increase France's goal count as he ran deep from his own half on a swift-counter attack and set up Mathieu Valbuena for the third as France took a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime.

- Complete coverage of the football World Cup

Please click NEXT for more...

World Cup PHOTOS: Five-star France crush sloppy Swiss

June 21, 2014 03:16 IST
Karim Benzema (right) scores the fourth goal for France past Switzerland goalkeeper Diego Benaglio

Paul Pogba's exquisite pass with the outside of his boot allowed Benzema to turn and score the fourth through the goalkeeper's legs.

- Complete coverage of the football World Cup

Please click NEXT for more...

World Cup PHOTOS: Five-star France crush sloppy Swiss

June 21, 2014 03:16 IST
France's players celebrate after Moussa Sissoko scored the fifth goal

Benzema then turned provider by putting Moussa Sissoko in space and the midfielder smashed his shot into the left-hand corner with 17 minutes remaining for France's fifth.

- Complete coverage of the football World Cup

Please click NEXT for more...

World Cup PHOTOS: Five-star France crush sloppy Swiss

June 21, 2014 03:16 IST
Granit Xhaka of Switzerland celebrates scoring his team's second goal

Substitute Blerim Dzemaili hammered home a low free nine minutes from time and a volley from Granit Xhaka in the 87th minute gave the Swiss a second late consolation goal.

- Complete coverage of the football World Cup

Please click NEXT for more...