Switzerland and new Arsenal signing Granit Xhaka go in hunt of a second victory in Euro 2016 on Wednesday against a Romania side fighting for survival.
Romania came close to frustrating France in tournament-opening match before Payet’s sublime winner gave French a last-gasp 2-1 win.
The Swiss meanwhile had to fight before Fabien Schaer’s forceful header secured a 1-0 win over Albania. Schaer, the 1.86 metre (6ft 3in) Hoffenheim defender, makes a habit of scoring for the national side — his decisive goal on Saturday was his sixth in 21 appearances.
Victory at Parc des Princes would almost certainly guarantee Switzerland a ticket for the round of 16 from Group A — and they will not want to be facing France in lille on Sunday.
But Schaer said his teammates had taken note that coach Anghel Iordanescu’s team were unlucky to lose to the French. “We watched France against Romania, and Romania matched them for the majority of the game,” he said.
Romanians received glowing praise from their usually critical national press for their performance against France and atmosphere in camp is relaxed after they enjoyed a barbecue with their families at team hotel on Monday.