Spain beat Switzerland after kicks from penalty mark after an agonizing extra time where they came close to burying it multiple times. With Gerard Moreno missing out on the final finish several times, Spain’s miseries were highlighted time and again. Winning 3-1 over penalties was more of a redemption at their missed chances.
With the 3-time European champions opening the scoring early in the first half, they looked comfortable in possession for most parts when they were in their own half. They got a corner, from which Jordi Alba hit a goal-bound shot, which was diverted by Denis Zakaria for an own goal. Since then, La Roja gained control over the play.
However, it was not for long, as Switzerland put on a persistent defensive display and pressed their opponents whenever they had the chance. Spain started struggling operating o the wings deep into Switzerland’s half. With the Swiss gradually gaining grip over their own half, they were able to shut Spain out for long spells. This caused a dilemma for Luis Enrique’s side.
In the second half, the former Barcelona manager made an alteration; Dani Olmo came on for Pablo Sarabia for better link up and final third involvement. Although Spain got a better hang of the possession in the second half, their good chances didn’t come before Remo Freuler’s suspension with 13 minutes to go. With the 2012 champions carrying on with their persistent attacking play, Switzerland faced much difficulty in holding their own.
With the extra time arriving, Gerard Moreno’s misery peaked, as he experienced his spell of consistently missing chances, as Spain had to progress to penalties. With two of them being extremely crucial, it could possibly have been 3-1 in extra time to La Roja. However, the destined score-line arrived in the form of penalty shootout. Busquets and Rodri missed for Spain, as Schaer, Akanji, and Vargas failed to convert for the Swiss, before Real Sociedad’s Oyarzabal sealed the semi final spot for his country.
