This archive report was first published on 22 June 2021.
June 21, 2021, marked a historic day for Switzerland's national football team as they advanced to the last 16 of the European Championship without kicking a ball.
The Swiss team's progress was made possible by the results of matches in other groups, which worked in their favor.
They will now face either Group B winners Belgium or the winners of Groups E or F, who will be determined on Wednesday.
However, the Swiss squad missed the unfolding drama as their plane suffered a technical fault, delaying their trip back to their base in Italy by three hours.
Switzerland's journey to the last 16 comes after they beat Turkey 3-1 in Baku in their last Group A match, but finished third behind Italy and Wales on four points, with Wales edging them out on goal difference.
With their fate unclear after their victory on Sunday, the Swiss team's fate was sealed when the teams finishing third in Groups B and C completed their programme with only three points, guaranteeing the Swiss a spot in the knockout round.
Monday's conclusion to Groups B and C saw Finland and Ukraine finish third with three points each, but it was the Swiss who benefited from the results.
The Swiss had planned to keep a close eye on Monday's games but were delayed by a technical fault, only arriving back at their Rome base after the games had ended.
Meanwhile, England, France, Sweden, and the Czech Republic are guaranteed to go through to the knockout stages regardless of the results in their final group games on Tuesday and Wednesday.
