Switzerland advanced to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 (Euro 2021) after winning 5-4 over France in a penalty shootout after the two teams drew 3-3 in the round of 16 at the Arena National Stadium, Tuesday (29/6).
Switzerland surprised France by taking the lead through Haris Seferovic’s header in the 15th minute after receiving Steven Zuber’s cross from the left.
France was only able to equalize in the second half, precisely in the 57th minute through Karim Benzema’s kick which utilized Kylian Mbappe’s assist.
Two minutes later, Benzema scored his second goal against Switzerland. The goal started with Mbappe’s brilliant breakthrough pass to Antoine Griezmann.
The Barcelona striker then lobbed the ball that Sommer could thwart. However, the ball actually went to Benzema who was at the far post. With a header, Benzema put France ahead in the 59th minute.
Paul Pogba added to the Swiss suffering in the 75th minute. The rebound from Benzema’s kick which was blocked by the Swiss defense led to Pogba.
Without difficulty Pogba curled a shot into the top left corner of the Swiss goal which Yann Sommer could not reach.
Not wanting to be eliminated by France, Switzerland continued to provide resistance in the rest of the match. As a result, Seferovic scored his second goal of the match with a header maximizing Kevin Mbabu’s cross from the right.
The French victory that was in sight was broken by Mario Gavranovic who brought Switzerland to level the score to 3-3 in the 90th minute. Gavranovic’s goal was the result of Granit Xhaka’s breakthrough pass.
In the extra round, Kingsley Coman had given a threat. But his shot was sideways on the right side of the Swiss goal in the 98th minute.
Moussa Sissoko actually had a goal opportunity in the 101st minute. However, Sissoko’s volley after getting the ball from the left was still far from the target.
That opportunity might have gotten a different result if Sissoko could have controlled the ball well before releasing a shot.
Kylian Mbappe threw away Les Bleus’ golden opportunity to regain a 4-3 lead over Switzerland in the 110th minute. At that time, Mbappe received Pogba’s breakthrough pass.
After escaping from offside, Mbappe was in an ideal position to score, however, his left foot shot was still sideways on the left side of the Swiss goal.
Olivier Giroud who entered in the second half got his best goal opportunity in the 119th minute. It’s just that, Giroud’s header welcomes Presnel Kimpembe’s cross can be caught by Sommer.
Without a goal in extra time, the duel France vs Switzerland in the round of 16 of Euro 2020 continued to a penalty shootout.
Gavranovic succeeded in bringing Switzerland ahead in the penalty shootout. Paul Pogba then equalized the score after outwitting Yan Sommer who moved to the left.
Calmly Fabia Schar returned to bring Switzerland 2-1 ahead in the penalty shootout. Giroud, who became France’s second kicker, changed the score as strong as 2-2.
Manuel Akanji was keen to take advantage of the position of Lloris who was dead, the score 3-2 for Switzerland. Marcus Thuram forced the position back to a 3-3 draw.
Lloris could actually parry Ruben Vargas’ kick. But the ball that was too tight still went into the net, 4-3 for Switzerland. Kimpembe’s shot to the bottom left made France equalize again.
Admir Mehmedi brought Switzerland ahead 5-4. However, Mbappe, who was France’s last kicker, failed to carry out his duties. Mbappe’s kick to the right side can be blocked by Sommer. Switzerland advanced to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 after winning 5-4 on penalties.
