Euro 2020: Spain qualifies for semifinals after beating Switzerland in penalty shootout

By Euronews with AP • Updated: 02/07/2021

Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon dives for a save during the Euro 2020 championship quarterfinal match between Switzerland and Spain in Saint Petersburg. - Copyright AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky, Pool

Spain beat Switzerland in a tense penalty shootout to qualify for the European Championship semifinals.

Unai Simon made two saves and Mikel Oyarzabal scored the decisive penalty with Spain beating Switzerland 3-1 in the shootout after a 1-1 draw.

An own goal early in the game from Switzerland's Denis Zakaria gave Spain a lead but a goal from Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri in the 68th minute equalised the game.

During extra time, Spain kept possession of the ball but couldn't get a goal past Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

The Swiss got through the extra period of 30 minutes despite playing with 10-men following a red card for midfielder Remo Freuler in the 78th minute.

Switzerland had advanced after penalties in the round of 16. The team beat World Cup champion France 5-4 in the shootout.