Spain tackles penalty shootout against Switzerland and reaches the semi-finals | European Championship 2020

Was Switzerland able to jump again after defeating France and also knocking Spain out of the tournament? That was the question in St. Petersburg. But it turns out that the football gods were less in favor of “La Nati” this time.

After a bad corner kick, Jordi Alba suddenly scored from outside the penalty area. Unfortunately, his shot hit Zakaria and left Sumer without a chance. 0-1 after just 8 minutes, the start of Spain’s dream and a big loss for the Swiss.

The misfortune continued for Switzerland, as defending champion Empolo withdrew after 20 minutes. In addition, Captain Chaka was also missing due to suspension. Thus, the Swiss could not at any time embarrass Spain.

Spain enforced the law, but the 2-0 chase was in doubt. Apart from the opening goal, only a free kick from Koke that passed over the goal caused some excitement in a very poor first half.

Switzerland had a difficult mountain trek after the break, moreover, alternative Olmo brought more flair to the Spaniards. But Spain seemed a little confident. At that hour, La Roja had already received a first warning when Zakaria’s header went wide.

Switzerland sniffed his chance, and shortly thereafter Simon had to play for the first time when Vargas Zuber gave a cunning pass alone in front of the goalkeeper. Spain played with fire and eventually burned itself as well.

After some fumbling with Laporte and Pau Torres, Frueller suddenly managed to give Shaqiri an equaliser. With his third goal in the European Championship, he brought everything back into balance: 1-1.

Ten minutes later, Freuler again claimed a leading role, but this time with a strong intervention. On the ball, although with him was Gerard Moreno. Referee Oliver was harsh and his face was red. Spain tried to take advantage of the numerical advantage, but Switzerland took advantage of the extra time.

In those extra times, Spain had chances, but despite the man having more, it didn’t yield any goals. Jan Sommer had a lot to do with this, as the Switzerland goalkeeper single-handedly made his country straight.

Switzerland took the penalty shootout and already considered itself a bit rich. Spain had missed the last five penalties, including 2 against Switzerland in the Nations League in November. In addition, Spain died 3 years ago in the 2018 World Cup after sanctions against the host country Russia.

In the penalty shootout, nerves seemed to prevail. Only 2 of the first 6 penalties were hit. Switzerland also missed a fourth penalty kick, thus Oyarzabal was able to send Spain to the semi-finals. Italy is waiting.

Switzerland had a good championship (unexpectedly), but the penalties against Spain were too many.

“Congratulations to the Spaniards,” said Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic.

“I am proud of my team with all the players,” Petkovic added. “Unfortunately, the red card made our game difficult for 45 minutes, but my players are the heroes of the evening. They deserved to continue.”

“Penalties are a lottery and this time we lost. Goalkeeper Jan (Somer, editor) is a champion.”

“We were left with mixed feelings. A lot of pride, because we gave it all and come home with our heads held high. But at the same time we were so close to the semi-finals, which doesn’t happen every year.”

Spanish national coach Luis Enrique was happy. “Switzerland is a very difficult opponent,” he said. “After the first goal, they started putting more pressure on us.”

“But I think it is totally wrong to say that penalty kicks are a lottery. The way players deal with stress and the skill of goalkeepers plays into play. There are many things that go into that, things that are impossible to train.”

“If it all ends well, that would be very nice,” Enrique said.