Manuel Akanji and Switzerland stun France to reach Euro 2020 quarterfinals

Manuel Akanji and Switzerland delivered the biggest upset of Euro 2020, as they beat France 5-4 on penalties (3-3 AET) to qualify for the quarterfinals. 

On an evening of stunning comebacks and thrilling action at the Euros, Switzerland topped the lot as they came from 3-1 down to eliminate world champions France in the round of 16. It was an incredible performance by Manuel Akanji and co., who showed great resilience, grit and courage to pull off the shock of the tournament.

Switzerland had earlier taken the lead through an excellent header from Haris Seferović. But a missed penalty from Ricardo Rodriguez gave France the momentum boost they needed to get back into the game in the second half.

Karim Benzema took full advantage, as he scored twice in four minutes to turn the game on its head. Paul Pogba then made it 3-1 with a stunning long-range effort as France looked to be cruising towards the quarterfinals.

But Switzerland never stopped fighting and continued to push for a way back into the game. And Vladimir Petković’s inspired substitutions helped them achieve exactly that. Haris Seferović halved the deficit in the 81st minute after getting on the end of Kevin Mbabu’s excellent cross. Before substitute Mario Gavranovic scored a 90th minute equaliser to take the game to extra time.

Neither team was able to find the breakthrough during extra time, and so the two teams went to penalties. Switzerland kept their composure and scored all five of their spot-kicks. And Yann Sommer saved Kylian Mbappe’s decisive penalty to take his side through to the quarterfinals.

Switzerland’s reward for making the Euro 2020 quarterfinals is a trip to St Petersburg to take on Spain on Friday. And they will no doubt fancy their chances of continuing this remarkable run in the next round as well.