By Theo Van Zyl
A brilliant team performance from Switzerland blew tournament holders Italy away in Berlin on Saturday.
Murat Yakin’s side were simply too good for the Azzurri, who couldn’t break down the resolute Swiss defense.
Switzerland took their chances when they came.
Ruben Vargas picked out Remo Freuler in the box who provided a clinical finish, late into the first half.
Things got even better for Switzerland when Vargas went from goal provider to goal scorer.
FC Augsburg’s winger doubled the Swiss advantage less than 30 seconds into the second half.
Gianluca Scammaca struck the post for Italy who were otherwise very poor.
Switzerland will play the winner of England versus Slovakia next week.
On the other side of the bracket, tournament hosts Germany cruised to victory over Denmark.
The main highlight of the first half had nothing to do with football at all, when lightning struck near the stadium in Dortmund, causing referee Michael Oliver to bring the game to a halt.
When the game eventually returned, Germany hit the front.
Kai Havertz broke the deadlock with a penalty kick. Both of his goals this tournament have now come from the spot.
Schlotterbeck’s long ball found Jamal Musiala, who scored his third goal of the tournament making him the joint top scorer at the European Championships so far.
Germany will play the winner of Spain versus Georgia in the quarter finals.
Pictured above: Remo Freuler scores his first goal of the tournament
Image source: @Euro2024
