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Spain Overpower Switzerland to Reach Euro Semis

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Spain's dominant performance sees them beat hosts Switzerland 2-0, reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Women's European Championship with style and conviction.


Spain cruised into the semi-finals of the UEFA Women's European Championship with a convincing 2-0 victory over host nation Switzerland. Despite a tough start, Spain's class eventually told, extending their winning streak against the Swiss to five matches. The favourites showcased their attacking prowess, building on their impressive group stage form, where they scored 14 goals in just three games. Switzerland, meanwhile, made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time and becoming the first team to start three players aged 18 or under.




The game's tempo was established early, with Spain dominating possession and showcasing their trademark passing style, while Switzerland opted for long balls to bypass the pressure. Spain's relentless attack, spearheaded by Aitana Bonmati, Claudia Pina, and Alexia Putellas, created chaos for the Swiss defense, forcing them into a costly foul that earned Spain a penalty. However, Mariona Caldentey's spot-kick was shockingly missed, sparking a frenzied reaction from the passionate Swiss crowd at the Stadion Wankdorf.




Switzerland threatened to turn the tables just before the 15-minute mark with a fluid counter-attack that left Spain scrambling. Geraldine Reuteler's powerful run into the box also tested the Spanish defense. A stunning save from Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng denied Claudia Pina's free-kick, keeping the scoreline goalless as the first half approached its midpoint. As the game wore on, Switzerland's more physical approach began to frustrate Spain, who, despite dominating possession and Pina's impressive dribbling skills, struggled to create clear-cut chances.


Spain's first half was marked by relentless pressure, with La Roja racking up 26 touches in Switzerland's box without scoring – a record number of touches without a goal since 2013. The half-time whistle was mere moments away when Irene Paredes' shot brutally crashed into the post.


Spain came out firing in the second half, with a shot on target within 30 seconds of the restart, signaling their intent to break down Switzerland's defense. The Spanish attack's fluid movement left the Swiss players chasing shadows, but the hosts' well-organized two-bank defense made it increasingly difficult to create clear chances. Despite a strong effort from Geraldine Reuteler, Switzerland struggled to cope with Spain's pressure. The breakthrough finally came on the hour mark, albeit not directly, as Spain's persistence led to a chaotic goalmouth scramble that hit the woodwork twice. The deadlock was eventually broken in the 66th minute when substitute Athenea del Castillo slid home the opener just four minutes after entering the game.


The perfect moment arrived for Claudia Pina to unleash her trademark curling shot into the top corner, doubling Spain's lead and effectively sealing the win. As Switzerland pushed forward in search of a goal, they left massive gaps, but despite Spain's best efforts to capitalize, they couldn't add to their tally. Ironically, another penalty miss followed, this time from Alexia Putellas, but the scoreline remained unchanged as Spain celebrated their 2-0 victory.




Switzerland's misery was compounded in injury time when Noelle Maritz was sent off for a cynical foul on Salma Paralluelo. The red card capped off a tough afternoon for the hosts. Spain's 2-0 win marked their seventh victory in their last 11 meetings against Switzerland. The Spanish will now face either France or Germany in the semi-finals. For Switzerland, despite a commendable effort, the defeat extends their poor record against Spain, with the aggregate score from their last five meetings standing at 21-2.



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