Spain dismiss 10-man Switzerland on penalties to reach Euro semifinals
Goalkeeper Unai Simon saved two penalties as Spain beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in a shoot-out on Friday to secure a place in the Euro 2020 semi-finals.
Spain prevailed in the shoot-out as Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner after Simon had saved from Fabian Schaer and Manuel Akanji, and Ruben Vargas had fired high for the Swiss in St Petersburg.
Spain's Sergio Busquets and Rodri also failed to score in the shoot-out but Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo and Gerard Moreno beat Yann Sommer.
The score was locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes of play.
The 2008 and 2012 champions Spain took an early lead in the eighth minute thanks to an own goal by Denias Zakaria, who deflected a half-volley from Jordi Alba.
Failed chances
Spain's Jordi Alba celebrates scoring. Photo: Twitter/EURO 2020.
The Spanish side failed to convert the few chances they created and saw Switzerland equalize in the 68th minute.
Stand-in captain Xherdan Shaqiri swept his effort into the net after a mix up at the Spanish defense.
Switzerland's Shaqiri celebrates after scoring his side's goal. Photo: Twitter/EURO 2020.
Shortly after the goal Switzerland were reduced to ten men as Remo Freuler saw a red card for a foul on Moreno.
The game went to extra-time and Spain were naturally the most attacking team, but were stopped by Sommer who had a brilliant performance.
Spain move into a Tuesday semi-final at Wembley against Belgium or Italy.
Switzerland bowed out in a second shoot-out, having beaten world champions France in the last 16.