Switzerland vs Spain
02 July 17000hrs
Football – International – Euro 2020
Pick Over 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Paddy Power
Odds: 17/20 odds taken 2000 GMT, Thursday 1 July
We have reached the last eight of the Euro2020 and Spain and Switzerland are vying to make it to the semi-finals when they meet on Friday in St Petersburg.
Table of Contents
Switzerland Preview – Can Switzerland follow up their excellent win last time out by taking another scalp?
Few expected the Swiss to make it out their group let alone the quarter-finals after losing heavily to Italy in the second round of games but they have really shown up since then. Vladimir Petkovic has unleashed the shackles and Switzerland have scored six goals in two games since surrendering to the Italians in Rome. A 3-1 win against Turkey was enough to see them finish third in Group A and that seen them playing France in the first knockout stage.
Considering their inability to win any sort of knockout game for over 50 years, facing the current World Champions looked to be the end for Switzerland but they turned in arguably their best ever performance and eliminate France after one of the most memorable games in European Championship history.
Switzerland not only had to come back from 3-1 down but also overcome the disappointment of missing a penalty when they had a 1-0 lead. The resilience and determination to get back into the game was only matched with the precision of their penalties in the shootout.
The front two of Breel Embolo and Haris Seferovic has been a real asset for the Swiss in this tournament. The latter has three goals to his name already but the running power and pace of Embolo has been a constant threat for opposition defences.
Spain Preview – Are Spain set to make it to their third semi-final in four attempts at the Euros ?
Many will suggest Spain have taken a bit of time to get going in this tournament having drawn against Sweden and Poland in their first two matches, scoring just the one goal. Even in those games, however, they were still creating chances and looked threatening but really wasteful in the final third. Slovakia were the unfortunate victims in the final group match as the 2008 and 2012 Champions turned on the style to win 5-0 and book their place in the knockout stage.
Luis Enrique’s men were helped on their way by some calamitous defending from the Slovakians but it certainly helped boost their confidence.
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Spain’s last-16 opponents were Croatia and despite going down 1-0 early on following a bizarre own goal the Spanish were excellent in the main and looked set to coast into the quarter-finals when 3-1 up with a little over 10 minutes left. As it was, Spain required extra-time to see off Croatia eventually winning 5-3.
Having been so good defensively in the group stage there was definite vulnerabilities at the back against Croatia and that will be some concern heading into this game and what they hope will be another two matches. Incidentally, Spain’s win against Croatia was their first in a knockout game of any major tournament since 2012.
Switzerland vs Spain Betting Advice
There’s no second chances now and the pressure is rising with every game. Switzerland are in new territory but their opponents are regulars at this stage. Spain are looking to make it into their third semi-final in four European Championships.
Whilst Switzerland are the underdogs their in-form striking partnership will be confident of troubling the Spanish defence. They looked really fragile last time out especially with cross balls.
Key Facts – Switzerland vs Spain Betting Tip
- Switzerland come into this game in confident mood after their excellent win over World Champions France
- Spain have scored 10 goals in their last two matches having scored one in their first two
- The winners of this game will face either Belgium or Italy in the semi-final
It’s hard to look past goals in this game. Both teams scored three times in 90 minutes in their last game and have potent attackers. Their defences have also looked porous. Take Over 2.5 goals in this one and hope for another entertaining encounter. One which could go all the way.
Best Betting Odds for Switzerland vs Spain
