Switzerland began their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ecuador, and their coach feels his side will have to be at their best in order to gain a positive result against the French, who cruised to an easy 3-0 win over Honduras in their opener.
"We're in a special position with France being our neighbours and it's a derby, so to speak, but if we are to have a chance, we really have to go beyond our limits," Hitzfeld admitted on FIFA.com.
"They are a team who have put in great performances and were impressive in their play-off win against Ukraine.
"They put in an explosive performance and played with confidence. We'll have to be aggressive on attack, counter-attack quickly and then we'll have a chance."
Both teams faced Jamaica in their pre-World Cup warm-up games, and France’s demolition of the island nation has left Hitzfeld wary of the attacking qualities his opponents possess.
"We beat Jamaica 1-0, while they beat them 8-0, which shows their attacking prowess, so we know what to expect," said Hitzfeld.
"It will be an interesting match for connoisseurs of football and I hope we come out of it with the right result."
Star striker Karim Benzema bagged a brace for Les Bleus in their first-round victory over Honduras, yet Switzerland centre-back Steve von Bergen has denied his team will focus solely on the Real Madrid frontman.
"If you worry about him too much, you forget the rest of the players around him," said the Young Boys defender, who is likely to have a busy game marking France’s number 10.
"There is no anti-Karim Benzema plan, he's won the Champions League and is a world-class player, but once the game kicks off, he is just one very good player amongst others."
