FOOTBALL – An exciting game from start to finish. There were countless opportunities for Spain but also some outstanding saves. With a red card for Switzerland, there was still no convincing winner after 120 minutes of play. Therefore, a penalty shootout was the deciding factor in Saint Petersburg.
Tonight, only eight countries have a chance to win the European title. In Saint Petersburg, Spain faced Switzerland. Until now, Spain has had some amazing goals. The game started strong and the Spanish side took the lead in the eighth minute. After a corner from the Spain, the ball ended up in the net with an own goal from Swiss Zakaria. Spain were then 0-1 in front.
Spain loses lead
The rest of the first half was dominated by Spain, however no goals were forthcoming. The first half ends with Spain one goal up. In the second half, Switzerland came out like a different team and were constantly in the danger zone and awarded numerous corners. Then, in the 68th minute the moment came that Spain dreaded. Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri punishes a weak Spanish defense and scores the equaliser.
Red card for Switzerland
In the 77th minute, Freuler of Switzerland made a foul on Spaniard Moreno. Although he touched the ball, the referee was convinced of a foul on the Spanish striker and immediately penalised with a red card. Switzerland were now down to ten men.
Even though Spain should now have the advantage, they do not seem to have the upper hand in this final quarter. Both countries have several opportunities, but nothing comes. Switzerland fought back hard despite being outnumbered. Regular time ended in a 1-1 draw, and moved on to extra time.
The Swiss keeper made some amazing saves
In the first part of extra time, the ball was more often in the Spanish half. Most of the chances are for Spain but both the defense and the Swiss keeper ensured the Spaniards did not take the lead. In the second half of extra time, there were even more opportunities for Spain. However, every possible chance lead to a fantastic save. After 120 minutes it was time for penalties.
It´s down to penalites
After previous missed penalties, this is a horror scenario for Spain. The players on the Spanish side who will take the penalties are Busquets, Olmo, Rodri, Moreno and Oyarzabal. Spain’s first penalty is immediately missed by Busquets. If Switzerland hits their first penalty, the chances for Spain already seem almost gone.
Nevertheless, the Spanish keeper Unai Simon intervened brilliantly several times. The tide now seemed to be turning once again for Spain. Moreno then made short work of his penalty and put Spain ahead. After Switzerland’s next penalty is missed, all the pressure was on Oyarzabal who must score the decisive goal. Spain finally did what it has been looking for for so long and scored the final and decisive goal.
Spain reach semi-finals and play against Belgium or Italy
Game, set and match for Spain after 120 minutes of play and a nerve-racking penalty shoot-out. Spain reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 European Championship after a very difficult game. The semi-final will be played against Belgium or Italy and will take place at Wembley on July 6 at 9pm.
