Switzerland knocks out defending champion Italy and advances to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals
The Hindu
Defending champion Italy crashed out of the Euro 2024 after losing to Switzerland 2-0 in the last 16 on June 29. Goals in each half from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas gave the Swiss their first win over their southern neighbour for 31 years and set up a quarterfinal against England or Slovakia in Düsseldorf on July 6.
Defending champion Italy crashed out of the European Championship after losing to Switzerland 2-0 in the last 16 on June 29.
Goals in each half from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas gave the Swiss their first win over their southern neighbor for 31 years and set up a quarterfinal against England or Slovakia in Düsseldorf on July 6.
Italy's elimination means the titleholder has gone out in the last 16 for the third successive Euro after Portugal in 2021 and Spain in 2016.
Switzerland hadn't beaten Italy since 1993, and notched only a ninth win from 62 attempts.
“We showed from the first second that we really wanted to win this game. The spirit is incredible," Switzerland midfielder Fabian Riedler said. "Everyone is happy. Everyone runs for the other one."
His team dominated in terms of possession, shots, attacks and passes.
By the time Italy responded in the second half, the aggressive Swiss defense was able to deal with it. Coach Murat Yakin’s gameplan worked to perfection and he repaid the faith his federation showed him when there were calls for him to go in November.