Crashing face-first into the ground, France defender Benjamin Pavard said he felt like a boxer knocked out on the canvas.

Pavard slammed into the turf in the 59th minute of France’s 1-0 victory over Germany on Tuesday at the European Championship following a challenge from opposing midfielder Robin Gosens.

“I was a bit KO’d for about 10-15 seconds,” Pavard told broadcaster beIN Sports after the game. “After that I felt better.”

Gosens jumped into the air to meet the ball just as Pavard was about to head it away and his knee caught the Frenchman around the neck. It sent the off-balance Pavard tumbling forward and he hit the ground face-first, with his right arm only slightly breaking his fall.

Despite concussion protocols aimed at protecting players, the Bayern Munich defender was allowed to continue after being treated on the field in Munich.