This archive report was first published on 3 July 2021.
Published on July 2, 2021, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Spain's Euro 2020 campaign continued with a thrilling 3-1 penalty shootout victory over 10-man Switzerland, securing a semi-final spot against either Belgium or Italy.
After a 1-1 draw in Saint Petersburg, which saw Switzerland play for 43 minutes a man down, Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon made two saves in the shoot-out to help keep Spain's bid for a record fourth European crown alive.
“Football was just there. We are deserved winners,” said Simon, who made an embarrassing error in the 5-3 last-16 win over Croatia.
Spain's victory marked a return to form for the team, which had struggled with profligate performances in their previous matches. The 2008 and 2012 winners had made a dream start to this quarter-final, taking the lead in fortunate circumstances in only the eighth minute.
However, Switzerland grew into the game and equalised in the 68th minute through Xherdan Shaqiri, who sparked a quick counter-attack that ended with Simon reacting well to keep out Steven Zuber's stabbed effort at his near post.
Switzerland's midfielder Remo Freuler was controversially dismissed for a tackle on Gerard Moreno with 13 minutes remaining, leaving the team to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match.
Despite Switzerland's valiant efforts, Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon made two crucial saves in the penalty shootout, while Ruben Vargas blazed over and Manuel Akanji's shot was saved by Simon, securing Spain's semi-final spot.
Spain will now face either Belgium or Italy, who meet in Munich later on Friday, at Wembley on Tuesday.
