France have been eliminated from the European Championship. In a thrilling Round of 16 tie, L'Équipe lost to Switzerland 5-4 on penalties in Bucharest on Monday evening. Les Bleus had led 3-1 until the 81st minute, but conceded two goals right at the end of the game to send the game into extra-time.
FCB defender Benjamin Pavard was in the starting XI for the French side in the thrilling encounter. After a mixed first half, the world champions trailed 1-0 via a goal by Haris Seferovic (15th minute). Bayern winger Kingsley Coman came on at half-time as France made tactical changes.
Thrilling second half
A Hugo Lloris-saved penalty by Switzerland's Ricardo Rodríguez (55') sparked a strong spell for the French. Within two minutes, coach Didier Deschamps' team had turned the game on its head with a brace from Karim Benzema (57'/59'). Paul Pogba's wonder goal from 25 yards made it 3-1 in the 75th minute, but Switzerland did not give up. Seferovic (81') scored his second and Mario Gavranovic (89') made it 3-3 at the death. In the final action of normal time, Coman was inches from grabbing the winning goal, hitting the crossbar.
In extra-time, Bayern's Pavard (95') had the best chance, but Yann Sommer made a great save in the Swiss goal. In the end, a penalty shoot-out had to decide the match. After nine consecutive players had converted, Kylian Mbappé, the fifth French taker, saw his saved effort allow Switzerland to wheel away in victory.
Neuer's thoughts ahead of Germany's Round of 16 clash against England:
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