Switzerland has caused a huge stunt by eliminating France. After a blistering game and 120 minutes of play it was 3-3. A captivating penalty shootout finally resulted in the decision: exit France. Precisely star player Kylian Mbappé missed the decisive penalty. For example, after the reigning European champion, the world champion has now also been eliminated.
What a roller coaster. Everyone expected a smooth victory for France against Switzerland in advance, but it turned out differently. It started after a quarter of an hour. France had again not started very well and Haris Seferovic stunned the French, and with them all of Europe. On a measured cross from Zuber, the Benfica striker easily won Lenglet’s game and actually gave Switzerland the lead. National coach Deschamps stunned. His tactical plan to start with three in the back turned out badly.
Through the eye of the needle
So France was in trouble and they only got bigger shortly after the break. After a wild tackle by Pavard on Steven Zuber – what a game that man played – the ball went on the spot after an intervention by the VAR. It was the go-ahead for five crazy minutes. Because it was not 0-2, on the contrary. Hugo Lloris chose the right angle and whipped Rodriguez’s eleven meters out of his cage, after which Benzema unleashed his devils on the other side. Big Benz snatched a pass from Mbappé excellently and ensured the equalizer. Sour for the Swiss. It became even more painful when the same Benzema did that trick again two minutes later. This time he headed in a cross from Griezmann appropriately. The spring in the Swiss watch seemed broken and when Paul Pogba made it 3-1 with a lovely curl, the game seemed over.
Turned that out differently. After all, ten minutes before the end, Seferovic was suddenly there again. Once again, the French defense let itself be very simple: 3-2.
Would it? Did we get a comeback from the Swiss? Yes of course. The first time he set the net, Gavranovic was flagged for offside, but his second attempt in the 92nd minute was a hit. 3-3, overtime. Even if it was only a hair, because in the very last second of injury time, Coman hit a volley against the crossbar.
penalty kicks
The extension became one of dying swans. Both teams were clearly on their gums and the players fell like flies. Benzema and Coman, among others, had to go to the side injured. That was not at the expense of the spectacle. Because of the fatigue, the spaces were enormous and both teams eagerly made use of it. Only: the finish was missing and so everything would be decided in the second extra time. Or did we go to penalty kicks?
It became option two. The second extension was one with a clenched buttocks, but the Swiss castle held. In a very exciting penalty shoot-out, Switzerland eventually took the lead. Kylian Mbappe was the schlemiel and missed the decisive penalty. Spain awaits in the quarterfinals.
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