Switzerland 1-1 Spain (1-3 pens) – Euro 2020: Mikel Oyarzabal fires Spain into semi-finals
Mikel Oyarzabal fires Spain into the semi-finals of Euro 2020 as the Real Sociedad star scores the decisive penalty in nerve-shredding shootout after heroic display from Switzerland in Saint Petersburg
Spain found an opponent worse at taking penalties than they are, and because of that they are into the last four of Euro 2020.
When this tie went the distance, you got the feeling Spain would have preferred a coin toss than a penalty shootout.
They had missed their last five penalty-kicks – including two against Switzerland in the Nations League – and their finishing was so poor in the previous 120 minutes that a decider reliant on accurate shooting was the last thing they needed.
Spain boss Luis Enrique wore a look of resignation when Sergio Busquets cracked the base of the post from the opening spot-kick and the Swiss converted theirs.
Spain went through to the Euro 2020 semi-finals after they edged a penalty shootout against Switzerland in Saint-Petersburg
Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon was incredibly emotional at the end following an heroic display in the penalty shootout
His movement on the line got into the heads of the Switzerland takers and they scored just once from their four attempts
The former champions missed again when Rodri’s effort was saved by the brilliant Yann Sommer. But that mattered not given that the Swiss failed to score from their next three penalties.
It meant Mikel Oyarzabal had the chance to win it with Spain’s fifth, and that he duly did, sending his country into the final four of a major competition for the first time since they won this competition in 2012.
But the quality of the penalties – or rather, the lack of it – had reflected the match that went before.
Tied 1-1 at full-time, Spain substitute Gerard Moreno missed a hat-trick of chances in extra-time as they sought to avoid a shootout against the 10-man Swiss, for whom Remo Freuler was sent off in the second half.
Spain took the lead after just eight minutes, although Koke’s corner was hardly deserving of a goal. Overhit and out-swinging, it looked more like a clearance as it bounced out of penalty area. His team-mate Jordi Alba, lurking 25 yards out, was never the intended recipient. Beckham to Scholes, this was not.
But from sow’s ears can silk purses sometimes be fashioned in this game, and Alba returned a volley that was destined to creep inside the post until Denis Zakaria stuck out a loose leg and diverted it into the opposite corner.
Own goal said UEFA, which was harsh on Alba, who was denied his first for Spain in four years. But perhaps it was not so unfair on Zakaria, whose attempted block was far from convincing.
That could also be said of the rest of his Swiss team-mates during a first half in which they created nothing.
Not that Spain were contributing much to the half-time showreel. The lowlights were complete when Cesar Azpilicueta – scorer of a header against Croatia – nodded straight into the grasp of Yann Sommer from another corner on 25 minutes.
But Switzerland were much improved after half-time and drew level on 68 minutes.
Spain’s central defence was terrified when Croatia launched a late aerial assault during Monday’s 5-3 thriller in Copenhagen. Turns out a low ball can spread just as much panic.
There was close to zero danger when a hopeful clip forward was intercepted by Aymeric Laporte. At least, that was, until he ran into defensive partner Pau Torres and the ball squirmed loose for Freuler, who squared for Shaqiri to hook into the bottom corner.
A peseta for the thoughts of Sergio Ramos, watching at home having been left out by Enrique amid disputed fitness concerns. Even on one leg, however, he would have used it to clear that ball.
Then, on 78 minutes, came the decision that swung the contest in Spain’s favour.
Michael Oliver had refereed well in this tournament. Had it not been for England’s expected progress, you would have had him in the running for the final at Wembley.
But even if England do crash out on Saturday, Oliver will likely follow them after this red card. You can only assume he thought Freuler had endangered his opponent when he slid in and took both the ball and body of Moreno.
It was a yellow card at worst. In old money, it was a good tackle. VAR should have intervened and saved both Freuler and Oliver.
But Spain could not take advantage and it is only because of Switzerland’s lame efforts from 12 yards that they are now one match away from the final.
They can only hope their semi does not go to penalties.
Follow Sportsmail’s NATHAN SALT for live Euro 2020 coverage of Switzerland vs Spain, including build-up, team news and updates.
