Spain win the match, Switzerland and keeper Yann Sommer win social media

Spain defeated Switzerland 3-1 on penalties to advance to the semi-final of Euro 2020 on Friday. After a 120-minute game, the score was level at 1-1 and La Rojas kept their nerves to seal the draw. Luis Enrique’s men will now play the winner of the second quarter-final between Belgium and Italy to book a berth in the finals. 

While it was heartbreak for Switzerland, who were bidding to reach the semi-finals of a major tournament for the first time in their history, Vladimir Petković and company did manage to win hearts. 

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As much as netizens congratulated Spain for edging past a 10-man Switzerland, wishes poured in for the Swiss, who had a dream tournament up till the quarter-finals. The Swiss were reduced to 10 men with 13 minutes remaining, though, when midfielder Remo Freuler was controversially dismissed for a tackle on Gerard Moreno.

Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer, the hero of the penalty shoot-out win over world champions France in the last 16, made a string of fine saves in extra time.

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Sommer made eight saves in extra time alone, but his one in the shoot-out from Rodri was not enough, despite Sergio Busquets also hitting the post, as Switzerland missed three of their four penalties.

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Switzerland managed to keep the Spainish at bay until the end of normal time but in the third minute of the additional half an hour, Moreno should have put Spain back in front, only to miskick Alba’s cross wide from close range.

The game saw Switzerland’s Denis Zakaria hit an own goal in the eighth minute. This was the 10th own goal of Euro 2020, more than the other 15 editions combined.