Nationala Arena in Bucharest was the place where France played against Switzerland at the Euro 2020. We have the player ratings.
France and Switzerland didn’t want to lag behind at the Euro 2020 right after the spectacle offered by Spain and Croatia. Things didn’t start well for Les Bleus at Arena Nationala due to a ghastly mistake from Clement Lenglet. As a high cross approached the box, the FC Barcelona defender wasn’t able to focus while covering Seferovic. The Swiss striker elevated himself in the air to connect a precise header that gave Switzerland the lead. Early in the game, France was already losing.
They held that result until the second half but Didier Deschamps was aware of the importance this game had for his players. At around the 10th minute of the game, drama ensued Arena Nationala with the fans on the edge of their seats. A penalty was given to the Swiss and Rodriguez decided to take it. Even though his shot was well-placed, Hugo Lloris made a heroic save that gave the French the lifeline they needed. Just a couple of minutes later, Karim Benzema made his triumphant appearance. He made a connection with Kylian Mbappe that turned into a Louvre-worthy stunner. That was the equalizer for France but the drama was only getting started.
Benzema’s brace and Switzerland’s response.
It took Karim Benzema less than two minutes to get his brace after a brilliant collective play from Les Bleus. At this point, this France side seemed unplayable as they were at that moment. Paul Pogba even put the cherry on top with his classic ‘Pogboom’ finish from outside the box. The French were winning 3-1 but the Swiss never gave up. With nine minutes left on the clock, Seferovic pulled one back for his side and Gavranovic sent this game to extra time in dramatic fashion.
Both sides deserved to win after what they showed to the entire world: elite-level football. None of both sides could score the winner and the match became a nail-biter from the spot. Already in the shootout, and you will read the following sentence correctly. Everybody scored but one player. Kylian Mbappe missed his penalty and effectively eliminated France from the tournament. The favorite to win the Euros is no longer in the tournament. What a time to be a football fan.
Player ratings
France: Lloris (8), Kimpembe (7), Lenglet (3), Varane (7), Pavard (7), Kante (7), Rabiot (7), Pogba (8), Griezmann (8), Mbappe (5), Benzema (8).
Bench: Coman (6), Sissoko (6), Giroud (6), Thuram (6).
Switzerland: Sommer (5), Rodriguez (4), Widmer (7), Elvedi (7), Akanji (7), Zuber (7), Freuler (7), Xhaka (7), Embolo (7), Shaqiri (7), Seferovic (8).
Bench: Gavranovic (7), Mbabu (7), Fassnacht (6), Vargas (6), Mehmedi (6), Schar (5).
Feel free to make your pick on player’s ratings and performances in the widget below.
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