Kathmandu: Spain has reached the semi-finals of Euro Cup 2020. Spain reached the semifinals by defeating 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in a penalty shootout in the first quarterfinal on Friday night.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon blocked two shots. Swiss goalkeeper Jan Somer saved a penalty but three players failed to score.
The scheduled 90-minute match at the St. Petersburg Stadium in Russia ended in a 1-1 draw. The game was decided by a penalty shootout after no more goals were scored in the extra 30 minutes.
Earlier, in the eighth minute of the game, Spain took the lead through a suicide goal. Spain’s Jordi Alva’s shot hit Switzerland’s Denis Zakaria and turned into a goal. But in the 68th minute, Switzerland’s Jedran Shakiri equalized.
In the 78 th minute of the match, Switzerland was reduced to 10 players. Remo Friuler was sent off for receiving a red card. Kana, who tackled Gerard Moreno of Spain badly, was shown a straight red card by the referee.
In the penalty shootout, Spain captain Sergio Busquets made the first shot at the post. But then Daniel Olmo, Gerard Moreno and Mikel Ozbayal scored. Rodri’s shot was stopped by Swiss goalkeeper Jan Somer.
Only Mario Gravanovic scored the first goal for Switzerland. Fabian Sar and Manuel Akanji’s shots were saved by Spanish goalkeeper Simon, while Ruben Vargas’ shot bounced off the crossbar.
Switzerland, who beat World Cup winners France in a penalty shootout in the last 16, did not succeed this time.
Spain, the three-time champions with Germany, has reached the semifinals after nine years. Spain, who have won consecutive titles in 2008 and 2012, were knocked out of the quarterfinals in 2016. Spain will now play Italy in the semifinals.
