Switzerland v Spain: Euro 2020 quarter-final – live!
02-Jul-2021 14:21:45 | The Guardian
“It’s the same as the game against France,” he said, upon being asked about his squad’s preparation for this game. “We celebrated what we did against France, but now it’s time to move on, create new emotions. We have to believe and show the will that we want to progress tomorrow.”
“I don’t know yet,” said Spain’s manager upon asked what he thought the key to tonight’s quarter-final might be. “Whichever team achieves the task of beating the other’s press, because we’ll both play that way, that’s important. Whoever is more decisive in the opposition penalty area will have the bigger options. I think it’s going to be a lovely game for the fans, an intense quarter-final. With goals.”
Related: Álvaro Morata finds his range as Spain begin to believe again | Sid Lowe
Switzerland are without the suspended Granit Xhaka, the Arsenal midfielder having picked up his second yellow card of the tournament during what was arguably the performance of his life in victory over France. He is likely to be replace by Denis Zakaria, a 24-year-old defensive midfielder who plies his trade with Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga. Luis Enrique has no reported injury concerns but may recall Jordi Alba at left-back, after picking Jose Gaya ahead of him for Spain’s win over Croatia.
Related: Haris Seferovic secures hero status in Switzerland after all the scorn | Nick Ames
There’s a place in the semi-finals against Belgium or Italy up for grabs for whoever triumphs in tonight’s eliminator in St Petersburg between Spain and Switzerland. At this stage of a major competition for the first time in nearly 70 years, Switzerland advanced after beating World Champions France on penalties. Spain arrive high on the hog after seeing off Croatia in a another thriller that went to extra time.
Three times the winners of the European Championship, Luis Enrique’s side go into this game as favourites but come up against a confident Swiss side that has already surpassed expectations and has nothing to lose. Kick-off is at 5pm (BST) but stay tuned in the meantime for team news and build-up.
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