Xherdan Shaqiri: 'Switzerland will make it tough for France'

Switzerland midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri has claimed that World Cup Group E opponents France will find it tough to break down Ottmar Hitzfeld's side when they play next week.

The Swiss defeated Ecuador 2-1 in their Group E opening game in Brasilia, thanks to strikes by Admir Mehmedi and Haris Seferovic.

Shaqiri told Goal.com: "France are a top team in our group and it will be a very difficult game for us. But it will be tough for France as well. We are a very good team.

"Before the World Cup, we beat Germany and Brazil, so we have shown that we can beat big teams.

"We want to play our own game against France and I can hope we will win."

The two European nations, who both won their opening games, will face off next Friday in Salvador.