Spain vs Switzerland predictions and match preview for Friday’s Euro 2020 Quarter Final clash. Read on for the head-to-head and analysis as La Roja target a place in the last four.
- DATE: Friday July 2nd 2021
- KICK-OFF: 18:00 (local time)
- STADIUM: Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg
- COMPETITION: Euro 2020 Quarter Final
Spain vs Switzerland Preview
Spain are through to the Quarter-Finals of Euro 2020 having won their first knockout match in a major tournament for nine years in dramatic fashion against Croatia. In theory this is a favourable draw and a good opportunity for Luis Enrique’s side to reach the semi-finals but they can not underestimate the Swiss who upset tournament favourites France in the last round.
If this is as good as either of these teams’ last matches, we will be in for a treat. Spain came from behind to lead Croatia 3-1 with a largely dominant display ensuring an excellent response to Unai Simon’s nightmare early error. However Croatia were not done and two late goals forced a period of Extra Time where La Roja responded well to claim a 5-3 victory with Alvaro Morata scoring a fine goal to silence his many critics.
In doing so, Spain became the first team in Euros history to score 5 goals in successive matches having beaten Slovakia 5-0 in their final group game to secure progress. There is certainly now the feeling that Spain are growing into this championship. While they may lack the world class stars of previous years, they have the kind of depth which could prove very useful in the latter stages of this competition, particularly after the exertions of their last game.
Switzerland also went to Extra Time, and indeed to Penalties, in an equally dramatic game on one of the most exciting days in international football history. Having missed a penalty to go 2-0 ahead against France, they succumbed to the talents of the world champions and briefly trailed 3-1 against Didier Deschamps’ side. They looked dead and buried at that point but somehow found a way back into the match and forced Extra Time thanks to Mario Gavranovic’s wonderful late leveller.
Kylian Mbappe’s miss ultimately settled the shootout to hand the Swiss an unexpected Quarter Final place. They will need to rest up and replenish their energy levels to go again against another European giant. The odds will be stacked against them again but they’ve shown they do have enough quality in the final third to ask questions of what at times looked like a shaky Spanish defence in the last round.
Team News
Key midfielder Granit Xhaka is suspended for Switzerland. Denis Zakaria may come in but the Swiss have no other major doubts.
Luis Enrique is expecting to have a fully fit squad to choose from. Jordi Alba and Pau Torres and hoping for recalls but the front three should be the same after they all scored against Croatia.
Spain Predicted XI:
Simon – Gaya, Laporte, E Garcia, Azpilicueta – Pedri, Busquets, Koke – Sarabia, Morata, F Torres (4-3-3)
Switzerland Predicted XI:
Sommer – Rodriguez, Akanji, Elvedi – Zuber, Freuler, Zakaria, Widmer – Shaqiri – Embolo, Seferovic (3-4-1-2)
Head to Head
- Last 4 Meetings: 1 Spain Wins, 1 Switzerland Win, 2 Draws.
- The sides met in the Nations League last year with Spain taking 4 points from the 2 meetings despite only scoring once in each game.
- The last tournament meeting was at the 2010 World Cup.
- Switzerland claimed a shock 1-0 win in that group game but Spain went on to dominate the competition and win the tournament.
Spain vs Switzerland Predictions
Score Prediction: Spain 2-1 Switzerland
Despite that victory over Croatia, Luis Enrique will not shy away from making changes if he feels his players are short on energy. That’s not really a luxury Switzerland’s coach will have and you sense that extra squad depth and a superior midfield will be the difference here with Spain looking well equipped to secure a place in the Semi-Finals.
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