Euro 2016: Romania vs Switzerland - 5 key players to watch out for

It’s a “do or die” situation for Romania after losing to the hosts France because of a late Dimitri Payet brilliant goal. Romania had the stingiest defence in qualification as they conceded just 2 goals in the 10 qualifying games.

A defeat to Switzerland is likely to close the doors on their Euro campaign even though there is a small chance of them going through with a third place finish. Romania’s strength lies in their defence with a disciplined 4-2-3-1 system and the coach Anghel Lordanescu knows how to get the best out of his team. 

On the other hand, a win for Switzerland will seal their place in the next round. The coach Vladimir Petkovic has come out of his traditional 3-4-3 style to a 4-2-3-1 and occasionally uses the 4-3-3 formation which ascertains that he is hungry for more success.

The new Arsenal star Granit Xhaka who pulled out a man of the match performance against Albania will be the key this time as well.

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#1 Granit Xhaka 

The new Arsenal star – regarded as the ‘Next Bastian Schweinsteiger’ has filled the void of their former captain Gokhan Inler. Granit has cemented his place in the Swiss squad perfectly because of his brilliant display in Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach, and when Arsene Wenger splashes $30 million on a defensive midfielder then you need to realise how valuable he is.

He can be deployed as a playmaker in a 4-3-3 formation if Valon Behrami and Blerim Dzemaili play on his sides. With two tenacious players to support him, Xhaka can unleash his iconic long passes and can go forward as well. He is a born leader and can drive the team on his own. Xhaka’s physical presence will be a boon for Swiss squad in battling set pieces as well.