Euro 2020FootballNEWS

Mbappe misses decisive penalty as world champions France crashes out of Euro 2020

Spain requires extra time to eliminate Croatia in eight-goal thriller

The whole football world was left stunned after world champions and tournament favourites France were knocked out of Euro 2020 by Switzerland on penalties after a 3-3 draw at the end of 120 minutes. Spain and Croatia delivered a classic tie as Spain emerged 5-3 winners after extra time.

Switzerland took the lead in the 15th minute through a Haris Seferovic header before Hugo Lloris stood big to save a Ricardo Rodriguez penalty and keep Switzerland from going 2-0 up. A Karim Benzema brace turned the game on its head before Paul Pogba scored a brilliant scorcher from range to put Fance firmly in control. Seferovic started the comeback for Switzerland with another headed goal after 81 minutes, before Mario Gavranovic scored a brilliant goal after dribbling past Presnel Kimpembe on the edge of the French penalty box to force extra time in the 90th minute. Both sides failed to score in extra time, and the game went to penalties. Kylian Mbappe was the only player to miss a penalty, with his spot-kick hit too close to Swiss keeper Yann Sommer, and the keeper pulling off a save that sparked wild celebrations from the Swiss contingent and fans. Switzerland will face Spain in the quarterfinals.

Spain started the game against Croatia on the front foot, but were soon behind thanks to a horrendous howler from their goalkeeper Unai Simon who let a simple pass run under his foot and into the back of the net to give Croatia the lead after 20 minutes. Spain continued to press forward and were duly rewarded when PSG winger Pablo Sarabia fired home an equaliser in the 38th minute. Chelsea right-back Cesar Azpilicueta was on the end of a Ferran Torres cross to put La Roja 2-1 up in the 57th minute with his first international goal before Torres showed calmness to finish off a quick freekick from Pau Torres and put Spain 3-1 up after 77 minutes. A Spanish capitulation saw substitutes Mislav Orsic and Mario Pasalic force extra time with two goals in the last five minutes before Alvaro Morata and Mikel Oyarzabal scored the quash any hopes of a Croatian upset and send Spain to the quarterfinals.

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