After a heroic performance last time out, Switzerland advance to the Euros 2020 quarter-finals when they take on Spain. The match schedules for Friday at the Gazprom Arena with kickoff at 7 pm.
The two nations reached the quarter-finals stage after thrilling matches that went to extra-time. Spain ended up eliminating Croatia 5-3 in extra time, whereas Switzerland needed to pay penalties to knockout France.
Both Switzerland and Spain are no strangers to each other after being drawn in the same UEFA Nations League back in 2020. The first encounter ended with a 1-0 home win while there was no winner in the second clash in Basel, thus ending in a 1-1 stalemate.
First off, Switzerland did the unthinkable by dumping favorites France in the last 16. It was a thrilling encounter with Swiss opening the score. It followed with Rodriguez missing a penalty. France moved on to equalize with a brace from Benzema in the space of three minutes.
Paul Pogba finished off the match with an impressive curled effort. Minutes before stoppage time, Petkovic equalized to end in a 3-3 stalemate. It all boiled down to a missed Kylian Mbappe penalty to advance.
On the other hand, La Furia is now unbeaten in twelve consecutive matches. In addition, they become the first team to score five goals in back to back European championship meetings.
Switzerland vs Spain Head to Head
Both sides have four games against each other, with Switzerland taking one win while Spain with one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- France 3-3 Switzerland
- Switzerland 3-1 Turkey
- Italy 3-0 Switzerland
- Wales 1-1 Switzerland
- Switzerland 7-0 Liechtenstein
Away
- Croatia 3-5 Spain
- Slovakia 0-5 Spain
- Spain 1-1 Poland
- Spain 0-0 Sweden
- Georgia 1-2 Spain
Switzerland Team News
After putting a Man of the Match performance, Granit Xhaka continues to command the midfield, with Zakaria pushing for contention for a return. Defenders Elvedi and Akanji were on top form and will come together in a back three.
Spain Team News
Even though Morata tends to miss out on chances, he keeps finding himself in scoring positions. Juventus winger Sarabia has found form in the tournament with two goals and two assists in their last three matches, thus deserving a spot in the starting lineup. Moreover, Thiago Alcantara will step back into the lineup after sitting out with Croatia.
Prediction and Odds
Even though Spain are the current favorite this time, Switzerland knows a lesson in making an upset.
- Spain Win
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 2.5
