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Euro 2016: Sissoko Starts For France
Written by Newcastle Utd
Moussa Sissoko made his first start of Euro 2016, but was unable to help France earn their third straight win
By Tom Easterby - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko made his first start of Euro 2016 on Sunday night, but was unable to help France earn their third straight win as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Switzerland in Group A.
The 26-year-old was brought into the starting 11, along with ex-Newcastle schemer Yohan Cabaye, by manager Didier Deschamps as Les Bleus sought a victory which would have seen the tournament hosts complete the group stage with a 100 per cent record.
But it didn't transpire, although Sissoko - who played the full 90 minutes - almost laid on a late winner for substitute Dimitri Payet, whose thumping volley from the Magpies man's cross came back off the underside of the crossbar.
France are now set to play their last 16 tie on Sunday, 26th June.
A couple of former United players were also in action for their respective countries over the weekend.
Hungary defender Tamas Kadar, who turned out 18 times in the black and white shirt during a three-year stint at St. James' Park between 2009 and 2012, conceded a penalty six minutes before the break during their Group F game against Iceland on Saturday, which was converted by Gylfi Sigurdsson.
But Kadar - who played the full 90 minutes, picking up a yellow card in the process - and Hungary earned themselves a point thanks to Birkir Saevarsson's late own goal.
Goalkeeper Shay Given, meanwhile, was an unused substitute as the Republic of Ireland were beaten 3-0 by Belgium in Group E, with a Romelu Lukaku brace and a header from Axel Witsel giving Marc Wilmot's men the points.