France 0-0 Switzerland: Pair progress after goalless draw
Three games played, seven points collected and through to the knockout stage of the European Championship in first place. On the face of it, everything looks positive for France at present, but there are in fact a number of things for the host nation to be concerned about.
For starters, it is still not clear what Didier Deschamps’s first-choice XI is, with the former Marseille manager reverting back to a 4-3-3 formation after employing a 4-2-3-1 against Albania last time out.
Olivier Giroud had been heavily criticised for his performance in that match but Andre-Pierre Gignac was even more ineffectual here, with Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann returning to the line-up after being controversially dropped for France’s second outing.
The group stage was supposed to be a chance for the hosts to develop coherence with a settled side having gone two years without fulfilling any competitive fixtures, but it feels as though France are even further away from knowing their strongest team now than they were before the Euros kicked-off 10 days ago.
France created the better chances against Switzerland in Lille and a draw – which guaranteed them top spot in Group A – was far from a bad result.
Question marks remain, though, and the pre-tournament favourites are yet to really convince ahead of the start of the knockout rounds on Saturday.
Romania 0-1 Albania: Sadiku keeps qualification hopes alive
Albania will have to wait and see whether their tally of three points will be enough for them to progress to the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed sides, but for now they can celebrate their first ever triumph at a European Championship.
This was a well-deserved victory for Gianni de Biasi and his players, who started the game nervously but ultimately did brilliantly to hold out after taking the lead in the 43rd minute.
Their defending was often of the backs-to-the-wall variety, but while Albania do lack a touch of quality there can be no doubting their commitment, togetherness, work ethic or organisation.
Content to cede possession and sit back in their tight defensive shape, they repelled Romania time and time again while carrying a considerable threat of their own at the other end of the pitch.
Indeed, despite having much less of the ball, Albania created the better goalscoring opportunities and had much more of a cutting edge in the final third.
Whether or not this victory turns out to be enough for a spot in the first knockout round remains to be seen, but Albania can be proud of their efforts in France regardless.
Player of the day
Paul Pogba. The France midfielder may have faded in the second half but he really took the game by the scruff of the neck in the first, when he was unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet.
Goal of the day
By default, Armando Sidiku’s header for Albania takes the prize. It was his country’s first ever goal at an international competition.
Decision of the day
Switzerland were much improved with Breel Embolo rather than Haris Seferovic at the point of their attack, which could prompt boss Vladimir Petkovic to stick with the teenager in the round of 16.
Howler of the day
Ciprian Tatarusanu has flapped at crosses throughout Euro 2016, but he did not even get close to the delivery from Ledian Memushaj that led to Armando Sadiku’s match-winning goal. The Fiorentina goalkeeper would have caught the header comfortably had he simply stayed on his line.
Moment of the day
It is not often you see a ball burst in the professional game, but that is exactly what happened when Valon Behrami and Antoine Griezmann raked their studs through it in the first half of Switzerland’s clash with France.
Statistic of the day
Exactly half of the 26 matches played at Euro 2016 so far have been goalless at half time.
Thing to look forward to
Assuming England beat Slovakia as expected, Russia vs Wales is a straight shootout for second place in Group B.
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Based: Dubai
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TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
David Haye record
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Losses: 4
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Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5