Kylian Mbappe missed the crucial penalty as Switzerland knocked world champions France out of Euro 2020.
A tepid French start was compounded when Switzerland took a surprise lead through Haris Seferovic. After the break, Switzerland almost doubled their advantage when Benjamin Pavard upended Zuber in the penalty area. Lloris, however, kept French hopes alive when he saved Ricardo Rodriguez’ subsequent spot-kick.
That moment sparked Didier Deschamps’ side into life, and barely a minute later they had equalised. Kylian Mbappe slipped a pass down the inside right channel for Benzema, who majestically controlled the ball with his heel, dragging it in front of him before poking it past Yann Sommer into the net.
Benzema then fired again as momentum swung in France’s direction. Antoine Griezmann and Mbappe played a one-two down the left, with the former dinking a ball to the far post. Benzema rose highest to head home and give France the lead in an unbelievable turn of events.
Deschamps’ side looked to have found their groove and Paul Pogba later curled in a truly spectacular finish as the French attempted to end the game in style.
Switzerland pulled one back, however, when Seferovic flashed in another header in the 81st minute to make it 3-2.
The game was then turned on its head once again when the Swiss found a late equaliser through Mario Gavranovic. The 31-year-old turned Presnel Kimpembe on the edge of the box before firing into the bottom left, giving Lloris no chance and sending the game into extra-time.
The thriller in Bucharest then headed to penalties, with Yann Sommer saving Mbappe’s penalty to send Switzerland through.
