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Vargas and Switzerland reach the quarterfinals

Swiss dump out the reigning World Cup winners

First Team 29.06.2021, 09:37

After Tomàš Koubek and Czech Republic reached the quarterfinals, Ruben Vargas followed suit on Monday night with Switzerland. They beat reigning world champions France 5-4 on penalties in an incredible game, with Vargas holding his nerve from the spot.

As Ruben Vargas came off the bench with 10 minutes to play in Bucharest, there was little hope left for Switzerland. France were 3-1 up and well on their way to the quarterfinals at EURO 2020. Despite Haris Seferovic giving the Swiss an early lead (15’), France were comfortable thanks to a Karim Benzema brace (57’, 59’) and a worldie from Paul Pogba (75’). Switzerland could have actually gone 2-0 ahead, but Hugo Lloris saved Ricardo Rodriguez’s penalty after 55 minutes.

The final stages, however, saw a dramatic comeback. Seferovic pulled one back (81’), before Mario Gavranovic equalised right at the death (90’). Extra time saw no further goals scored, which resulted in the first shootout of EURO 2020.

Vargas scores his penalty

The first nine penalty takers all converted – including Vargas, who took Switzerland’s fourth spot-kick. The hero of the night was Gladbach’s Yann Sommer. He kept out the fifth French penalty from Kylian Mbappé to book his nation’s place in the next round.

Switzerland will now face Spain in St. Petersburg on Friday, 2nd July (18:00 CEST). They put out Croatia 5-3 (a.e.t.) in another thrilling match yesterday. FCA goalkeeper Tomàš Koubek’s Czech Republic are also through, having put out the Netherlands 2-0.

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Ruben Vargas
Internationals