Switzerland Score Last Minute Equaliser To Take France To Extra Time

Mario Gavranovic scored a last minute equaliser for Switzerland in their last 16 game with France, to take the instant classic into extra time.

Switzerland took a first half lead through Haris Seferovic, and looked like the better team in the first half. The Swiss nearly doubled their lead after the break but Hugo Lloris saved a penalty from Ricardo Rodriguez.

Two goals from Karim Benzema within four minutes of the penalty completely turned the game on its head and Paul Pogba looked to have taken the reigning world champions into a quarter final with Spain, with a wonder goal.

Seferovic scored what looked like a consolation with nine minutes to go, and Switzerland then had a goal disallowed for offside.

However the drama continued when Gavranovic's strike took the game into an added 30 minutes.

Didier Deschamps topped the 'Group of Death' with Portugal, Germany and Hungary, whilst Switzerland finished third behind Italy and Wales in their group.

France were obviously favourites going into the game but the 2018 World Cup winners, attempting to hold both World and European titles at the same time for the second occasion, changed formation for the last 16 tie.

It backfired as Les Bleus were completely outplayed in the opening 45 minutes, and went into the break 1-0 down.

Switzerland needed VAR in order to win their penalty on 55 minutes, when the video official realised that Benjamin Pavard had brought down Steven Zuber in the box.

Lloris' save changed everything as Benzema scored twice within four minutes of the spot kick and it looked game over.

Pogba's goal looked like the cherry on top of France's march into the final eight, but Seferovic soon changed things once again.

The Swiss equaliser was the latest twist in the tale on an incredible day of football.

Earlier, Croatia had also come from 3-1 down, having led 1-0, to take things into extra time against Spain.

The 2010 World Cup winners scored twice in the additional 30 minutes to earn their place in the final eight, where they awaited the winner of the night game.

Topics: Football, Euro 2020, France, Switzerland

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

@Sidler28