Swiss STUN French on penalties to knock them out of Euro 2020

BUCHAREST: Switzerland shocked the entire world by eliminating reigning world champions France from Euro 2020 on penalties following a mental game at the National Arena. Kylian Mbappe missed the decisive spot-kick in the shootout following a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Mario Gavranovic equalized in the 90th minute as Switzerland came from two goals down before Yann Sommer saved Mbappe's penalty to book Switzerland a quarter-final clash against Spain.

Haris Seferovic had given Vladimir Petkovic's Switzerland a shock lead on 15 minutes but Ricardo Rodriguez's spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Hugo Lloris early in the second half.

Karim Benzema, recalled to the France squad for the tournament after a five-and-a-half-year international exile, then struck a quick-fire double to put the Euro 2016 finalists back on track.

The French were purring at this point and the Swiss looked shellshocked, even more so when Paul Pogba produced a moment of sublime quality on 75 minutes.

The Manchester United star got hold of the ball over 20 yards out, made himself space and then curled a supreme finish into the top corner.

Few would have given Switzerland much of a chance at this stage but they were far from ready to give up on their tournament and Seferovic scored his second just six minutes later to reignite their hopes.

The Benfica striker again got his head on a fine cross, flicking past Lloris and celebrating with the look of a man who knew a third could come.

It wasn't him that got it, but a third did come for the Swiss through substitute Mario Gavranovic who skipped by Presnal Kimpembe on the edge of the box and then fired into the bottom corner and level the game up at 3-3.

There was still time for Coman to hit the bar in stoppage time, but his narrow miss meant the game wound its way to extra time.

There was understandable caution in extra time with neither team risking it all for the win too much, although France looked the more likely.

Switzerland converted all five of their penalties before Sommer dived to his right to turn away Mbappe's kick, as the Swiss won a major tournament knockout tie for first time in 83 years. Agencies

:: Match Stats ::

France Switzerland

26 SHOTS 12

8 SHOTS ON TARGET 5

55% POSSESSION 45%

623 PASSES 534

89% PASS ACCURACY 84%

14 FOULS 13

3 YELLOW CARDS 4

1 OFFSIDES 1

8 CORNER KICKS 5

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