Spain make fourth European Championship semifinals from penalties after Beating Switzerland 3-1 on shootout in Petersburg
Spain who beat Switzerland 3-1 on penalties in St. Petersburg, will face either Belgium or Italy in the semifinals of the European championship 2020.
The victory hand Spain the first country to progress into the semifinals of the competition after beating Switzerland 3-1 on penalties in St Petersburg on Friday. They were tied 1-1 at the end of extra time.
Luis Enrique’s team got off to a brilliant start after Denis Zakaria deflected the ball into his own net in the eighth minute to give Spain an early lead.
Switzerland maintained their shape and pounced on an equalising opportunity in the 68th minute through Xherdan Shaqiri. After the contest was tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, extra time ensued.
Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer came clutch in the final half-hour making a number of vital saves to deny the likes of Dani Olmo, Gerard Moreno and Mikel Oyarzabal.
In the penalty shootout, Oyarzabal scored the decisive penalty for Spain after Switzerland missed three penalties through Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji and Ruben Vargas. Spain will next face either Belgium or Italy in the last four.
Defeat to Switzerland means Spain have now become the country with most win from penalties (4) at the Euro semifinals. Their first semifinals victory from penalty kicks at the Euro was in 1984 against Denmark, in 2008 vs Italy, 2012 vs Portugal and 2020 vs Switzerland.
