Lille (France) (AFP) – France coach Didier Deschamps said his team had fulfilled their initial objectives after qualifying as winners of Euro 2016 Group A following a 0-0 draw with Switzerland on Sunday.

The host nation largely controlled the game at Lille’s Stade Pierre-Mauroy, with Paul Pogba twice hitting the bar and substitute Dimitri Payet also leaving the woodwork quivering with an emphatic late volley.

It was not enough to secure a seventh consecutive win, but it ensured that France progressed as group winners, meaning they will face the third-place team in either Group C, D or E in the last 16.

“We had the chances and we hit the bar twice,” Deschamps told French television channel M6. “We were there to secure first place and we did it, so it’s mission accomplished.

“Technically, this Swiss team do some nice things, but we had the better chances. Had we been a bit more clinical or had more luck, we could have won.

“In terms of control, we need to do better so we can avoid having to defend a bit too much.”

A point was also enough to secure Switzerland’s place in the last 16 and coach Vladimir Petkovic said his team’s next opponents held no fear, whoever they are.

“We’ll wait and see who we play against and then we’ll be ready. We can hold our own with strong opponents and we still have time to improve.”