Spain prevail in shootout to sneak into semi-finals
Spain squeezed through a penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020 after goalkeeper Yann Sommer's heroics for 10-man Switzerland proved in vain.
Switzerland's hero of the previous round when they knocked out world champions France in similar fashion was on top form again during 120 minutes in St Petersburg and although he saved one in a dramatic conclusion his side missed three out of four spotkicks.
There was huge relief for Spain, into their first semifinal since 2012 when they won their second successive European
Championship, having wasted a host of chances. After scoring five in their last two matches Luis Enrique's side retreated into their shell somewhat with a much more circumspect performance and despite the advantage of Denis Zakaria's early own goal they did not really press hard until extra-time.
That was forced by Xherdan Shaqiri's 68th-minute goal to make it 1-1 but after Remo Freuler's harsh red card for a sliding challenge on Gerard Moreno the Swiss had no option but to see out the game and hope for the best in a shootout.
Sergio Busquets hit a post and Rodri's effort was saved by Sommer but Dani Olmo and Moreno scored and with Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji and Ruben Vargas all failing it left Mikel Oyarzabal to send Spain through.
Ominously, each time Spain have progressed past the quarter-finals they have gone on to lift the trophy but if they are to add to their three titles they will need to be sharper against Italy in the last four.
It was a tough result for Switzerland, who had kept their opponents at bay largely thanks to their committed organisation and also Sommer.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon, who was named man of the match after saving two penalties in the shootout, said he would have given the award to opposite number Sommer.
"I would have given Sommer the MVP," said Simon. "Football has been fair, we are worthy winners. We must quickly rectify the mistakes and also keep our feet on the ground because a very difficult opponent is coming our way whoever it is. In the semi-finals, you need to have the mentality that each game is new. Winning the European Championship should be the only thing on our minds now."
Simon also elaborated on his post-game celebrations with manager Enrique.
"I have come a little up in the celebration, but it is what my body told me to do. It was a moment of euphoria," he said.
Sommer, who made several superb saves to help the 10-man Swiss survive until the shootout, said: "I’m so proud of the team, what we’ve achieved here with the whole country behind us."
Switzerland: Sommer; Elvedi, Akanji, Rodríguez; Widmer (Mbabu 100), Freuler, Zakaria (Schär 101), Zuber (Fassnacht 90); Shaqiri (Sow 81), Embolo (Vargas 23); Seferović (Gavranović 82)
Spain: U Simón; Azpilicueta, P Torres (Thiago Alcántara 113), Laporte, Alba; Koke (Llorente 90), Busquets, Pedri (Rodri 119); Sarabia (Olmo 46), Morata (G Moreno 54), F Torres.