Hitzfeld: 'Switzerland will defend against France'

Switzerland head coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has hinted that his team will largely set up to defend and frustrate France when the sides meet on Friday.

The winner of the clash in Salvador could be on course for top spot in Group E and would likely avoid a last-16 clash with Argentina, but Hitzfeld appears certain of how his players will approach the match.

Hitzfeld told a press conference: "It's a derby. We have to be firm in the defense and react quickly on counter-strikes.

"If we want to stand a chance against France, we will have to play beyond our limits. In the first match, we were a bit nervous. We have to be calmer and more composed."

Hitzfeld guided both Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich to Champions League triumphs, in 1997 and 2001 respectively.