FANTASTIC SWITZERLAND FLUNG OFF FAVOURITE FRANCE TO CLINCH THEIR FIRST QUATER FINAL

World champions France came into the game as clear favourites but fell behind for the third consecutive match as Haris Seferović placed a well-directed header into the bottom corner and beyond the reach of Hugo Lloris.

Several injuries convinced Didier Deschamps to name a starting XI including three centre-backs and Adrien Rabiot as a makeshift left wing-back, but he returned to his tried-and-tested back four as Kingsley Coman replaced Clement Lenglet at the interval. It was Switzerland though, who started the second 45 minutes on the front foot, and had a golden opportunity to double their lead when Benjamin Pavard fouled Steven Zuber in the penalty area. Fortunately for the French, the occasion took its toll on Ricardo Rodríguez and Lloris was on hand to save the spot-kick.

Inevitably, that proved to be the turning point. Within five minutes, France were 2-1 up thanks to a Karim Benzema brace which ultimately knocked the stuffing out of Switzerland, and Paul Pogba’s stunning effort appeared to put the icing on the French gâteau.

Switzerland, however, had other ideas. Seferović halved the deficit with a bullet header before substitute Mario Gavranović netted a dramatic equaliser in the 90th minute to send the game into extra time. France dominated the next 30 minutes but failed to prevent the first penalty shoot-out of the tournament so far.

Both sides netted their first four penalties, but Switzerland clinched the victory when Sommer saved Mbappé’s effort. Things do not get any easier for Switzerland - they now travel to St. Petersburg to face Spain on Friday. France, meanwhile, will be left wondering what might have been.



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