Gersbach's Coup de France heartbreak

The tournament could have been RC Lens' sole salvation this season, with the side sitting narrowly above the relegation places in France's Ligue 2. 

Gersbach's side were handed a favourable draw against Championnat National (third division) side Les Herbiers, but couldn't secure an unlikely semi-final appearance, - and a chance to face the likes of PSG or Lyon - after losing on penalties.

It's penalty shootout time in the Coupe de France and @Socceroos defender @AlexGersbach has done his part from the spot ▶ Watch live https://t.co/YcOSToV9Qq pic.twitter.com/lltbxC9N0l

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_AUS) 27 February 2018

They let you take a penalty!!!?? Hope it was better than your corners in China 😑

— Stefan Mauk (@StefanMauk) 28 February 2018

The match ended 0-0, but despite the Aussie fullback converting his spot kick, after playing over 120 minutes, to give his side the advantage, two missed penalties see the Les Herbiers fairytale continue.

Gersbach and coach Eric Sikora will now focus wholeheartedly on preventing their team's relegation, with the French season nearing its conclusion.