Euro 2020: Spain booked their spot in the semifinals after penalty shootout victory over Switzerland

Spain becomes the first team to book their place in the semifinals of the 2020 European championship after they outscored Switzerland 3-1 in the penalty shootout at the Gazprom Arena, St Petersburg.

Advertisement

Spain became dominant in the early 8th minute with Denis Zakaria’s own goal but captain Xherdan Shaqiri scored an equaliser at 68th minute to draw levels 1-1 before the game headed into extra time and 10-man Switzerland took Spaniards to penalties where Mikel Oyarzaba won the shootout and the Spanish national team advanced to the semifinals.

Switzerland XI: Sommer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodrรญguez, Widmer, Freuler, Zakaria, Zuber, Shaqiri, Embolo and Seferovic.

Spain XI: Unai Simรณn, Azpilicueta, Pau Torres, Laporte, Jordi Alba, Koke, Busquets, Pedri, Ferrรกn Torres, Morata and Sarabia.

Switzerland had shocked everyone with their remarkable performance where they fought back to World Cup champions France from being down to 3-1 and beat them 5-4 on penalties. Today, they were without Granit Xhaka due to suspension who was Star of the Match vs France.

Jordi Alba shot from outside the box which was deflected off Denis Zakaria and confirmed as an own goal at the 8th minute of the first half that gave the lead to Luis Enrique’s side. But Shaqiri, who captained Vladimir Petkovic’s Switzerland on his 96th international appearance and has been directly involved in 51 goals after he slid the ball into the corner for the equaliser. It finished 1-1 after extra time, and Spain went through a victory on penalties.

Unai Simon, who made a mistake that cost them a goal four days ago vs Croatia was awarded as Star of the Match for his penalty shootout.

Swiss star Roger Federer tweeted appreciating Switzerland’s efforts and wished Spain luck.

Spain, who have lost only one of their previous 22 international matches against Switzerland will play Italy, who eliminated Belgium to meet in the semifinals of Euro 2020.