LONDON: Switzerland has defeated reigning world champion France with victory in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout to secure its berth in the Euro 2020 quarterfinals.
Kylian Mbappe, who endured a torrid night leading the line for France, capped a miserable evening by missing his team’s decisive fifth penalty, the only player not to score in the shootout.
It was scarcely believable the tie had even reached this stage, as Switzerland trailed 3-1 with less than 10 minutes of regulation time remaining.
However, late goals from Haris Seferovic and Mario Gavranovic stunned their French opponents as Switzerland forced extra-time.
France looked like it was cruising after Karim Benzema’s brace and Paul Pogba’s stunning long-range strike had canceled out Seferovic’s early header, with Switzerland’s Ricardo Rodriguez missing what looked like a crucial penalty in the second half.
In the end, it mattered little as Switzerland advanced to face Spain in Friday’s quarterfinal.
(With inputs from CNN)
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