Kylian Mbappe missed the decisive shootout penalty as the
reigning world champions exited the competition in the last 16.
After Spain’s enthralling 5-3 win over Croatia in Copenhagen
earlier on Monday, there was more incredible action in Romania, with Switzerland
taking a shock early lead through Haris Seferovic.
A Hugo Lloris penalty save and quick-fire Karim Benzema
double turned the tie on its head in the space of four second-half minutes,
with a sensational goal from Paul Pogba then looking to have sent resurgent
France into the quarter-finals.
However, another impressive Seferovic header gave the Swiss
hope and substitute Mario Gavranovic saw an effort ruled out for offside before
he persevered to net that dramatic late equaliser.
Kingsley Coman hit the crossbar in the final seconds of
normal time and there were further chances in extra time, but ultimately
penalties beckoned and every spot-kick was scored in expert fashion until
Mbappe’s crucial miss settled an unforgettable contest.
Switzerland go through to the European Championship
quarter-finals for the very first time and will meet Spain in Saint Petersburg
on Friday evening.
For France, a shock early exit that will leave manager
Didier Deschamps with many questions to answer.