Swiss Victory knocks out Italy, faces England next

Goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas were enough to send the Italians home, marking Switzerland's entry into the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history.

Switzerland started the match with high energy, and their relentless pressure paid off in the 37th minute. Ruben Vargas, pivotal throughout, provided a low cross that Remo Freuler controlled beautifully before slotting past Gianluigi Donnarumma at the near post. The build-up to this goal shows Switzerland’s cohesive play, with the team stringing together 33 passes.

The Swiss team did not ease off after their first goal. Just 27 seconds into the second half, Vargas again made his mark. Breaking into the area, he curled a superb shot over Donnarumma, doubling Switzerland's lead and sealing Italy's fate. Italy's response was tepid at best, and they struggled to break down a well-drilled Swiss defense.

Granit Xhaka, the former Arsenal midfielder now with Bayer Leverkusen, was instrumental in Switzerland's midfield, effectively controlling the tempo and linking up play. He epitomized the Swiss strategy of maintaining possession and frustrating the Italians.

According to betting fans, Italy was the favorite to advance with odds of +155, while Switzerland was the underdog at +255. Betting fans who want to bet on more exciting matches in the Euro Cup can use the bet9ja promo code to avail of a welcome bonus.

Conversely, Italy appeared disjointed and lacked the star power that saw them triumph at Euro 2020. Luciano Spalletti’s decision to drop Jorginho in favor of Nicolo Fagioli did not pay off. Fagioli, who had missed most of the season with Juventus due to a gambling ban, could not provide the stability needed in midfield. Italy's six changes from their last group-stage match did little to inject dynamism into the squad.

Defensively, Italy looked vulnerable throughout. Apart from Donnarumma, who made crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable, the Italian defense was often caught out by the pace and precision of the Swiss attacks. Breel Embolo nearly opened the scoring for Switzerland midway through the first half, only to be denied by a fine save from Donnarumma.

Italy's attack was equally unconvincing. The best chances fell to substitute Mateo Retegui and Gianluca Scamacca, but neither could capitalise. Scamacca's effort, which hit the post, summed up Italy's night – close but ultimately fruitless. The Italians barely scraped through the group stages and looked out of ideas and energy against a vibrant Swiss side.

The stage is set for a thrilling quarter-final clash between Switzerland and England at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf on Saturday, July 6. Both teams have had contrasting journeys, with England enduring a challenging Euro 2024 campaign, while Switzerland has impressed with their consistent performances.

England’s road to the quarter-finals has been anything but smooth. Their campaign nearly ended in the round of 16 against Slovakia. The Three Lions found themselves on the brink of elimination until Jude Bellingham's spectacular overhead kick leveled the scores in the dying moments of regular time. Harry Kane then secured their passage to the last eight with a header early in extra time, ensuring Gareth Southgate’s men lived to fight another day.

In contrast, Switzerland has displayed remarkable resilience and tactical acumen throughout the tournament. They have consistently struck early in matches, scoring the first goal in three of their four encounters in Germany. If the Swiss open the scoring, they will pose a significant challenge for the Three Lions, who have shown vulnerabilities in their defense.

Despite their struggles, England remains the favorite to advance, with odds of +120 to reach the World Cup semifinals. However, Switzerland, with odds of +270, must be considered.

As Switzerland gears up to face England in the quarter-finals, the stage is set for a highly anticipated encounter. With Switzerland in fine form and England struggling to find consistency, anything can happen. Fans eagerly anticipate another close match, hoping for a thrilling contest that keeps them on the edge of their seats. Switzerland's ability to strike early and England's struggle to find their rhythm could make this quarter-final a nail-biting affair.

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