[monks data]

European Championship | Round of 16

Jun 28, 2021 at 8pm UK

Arena Naţională

France
3 - 3
Switzerland

Benzema (57', 59'), Pogba (75')
Varane (30'), Coman (88'), Pavard (91')

FT
(aet)

Seferovic (15', 81'), Gavranovic (90')
Elvedi (32'), Rodriguez (61'), Xhaka (76'), Akanji (108')

Switzerland win 5-4 on penalties

Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira question Paul Pogba discipline

By Sammy Wynne | 29 June 2021

Keane, Vieira question Paul Pogba discipline

Former Manchester United and Arsenal captains Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira agree that France midfielder Paul Pogba lacks discipline following their defeat to Switzerland.

Former Manchester United and Arsenal captains Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira have questioned France midfielder Paul Pogba's discipline following Les Bleus' Euro 2020 exit.

Pogba scored an eye-catching long-range effort to put Didier Deschamps's side 3-1 up against Switzerland, but could not help his side hold onto their lead as the Swiss emulated what Croatia managed a few hours earlier to send the game into extra time.

The game was eventually taken to penalties when Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe missed the all-important fifth spot kick for France to eliminate the World Champions.

Speaking after the game, Keane said on ITV: "No doubt it would be frustrating. But this is all part of Paul's character that people love to see and it's great," the Irishman answered when asked how he would feel playing alongside Pogba.

"But then I'd be looking at the goal they conceded in injury time when he was sloppy in midfield, that's the bit I'd be really critical. It seems harsh because he's done some brilliant stuff going forward today, there's no doubt in Paul's quality, it's just the other side, maybe his maturity.

"United have had these problems. Can he play in a two midfield? He probably can't, he hasn't got the discipline. Even today he leaves you frustrated, even with his brilliant quality going forward he lacks that discipline defensively. The top players do it week in and week out and Paul doesn't quite do it."

France legend Vieira agreed with Keane, adding: "I completely agree. When you look at his potential, what he can do in midfield, you expect more from him.

"If he played next to Roy he would maybe be a different player because he needs someone on his back putting him under pressure and being demanding of him. It is frustrating because he can give much more than what he is giving to the team."

France's last-16 exit from the European Championship is only the second time the nation has been knocked out of this tournament before the quarter-final stage.