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REACTION | France bow out after incredible day of footballing drama

Well, it was one of the most insane days of tournament football that anyone can remember, and if ...



Soccer

REACTION | France bow out after incredible day of footballing drama


Well, it was one of the most insane days of tournament football that anyone can remember, and if anyone is under any illusion of whether Euro 2020 has caught fire, they are no longer.

France went out on penalties to Switzerland, having been leading their neighbours 3-1 until the 82nd minute.

Haris Seferovic gave the Swiss the lead with a header after 15 minutes, with his side going into half-time with a slender lead.

Fans of narrative were rewarded handsomely in a second half of football of the highest quality.

A missed penalty from Ricardo Rodriguez gave the feeling that the momentum had swung towards Les Bleus, but few could have predicted how quickly.

Karim Benzema scored a goal of premium touch and finish, alongside a close-range header to give the French the lead.

Paul Pogba, imperious once again, scored a world-class 30-yard finish into the very top corner, with the game looking all but over.

Seferovic struck again with what looked like a consolation goal, but Mario Gavranovic scored from 20 yards to send the Swiss into raptures and the game into extra time.

France have been falling to a lot of unforced muscle injuries, with Benzema and Kingsley Coman taking knocks and, crucially, Kylian Mbappe.

It would take its toll.

Mbappe was the fall guy for the French, with Yann Sommer saving the final penalty.

The French will leave the tournament, but this was a phenomenal, nail-biting game of football.

It really feels like this was the game that was a release for a sport that has been under the cosh over the last 15 months. Two incredible performances.

France v Switzerland reaction

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