Julius OkorieSwitzerland Stuns Defending Champions, Italy
Holders Italy, hopes of defending their title in the ongoing Euro Championship in Germany, hit the rocks with a bang after they were sent packing on Saturday by Switzerland. The Swiss ran away with a 2-0 victory to the surprise of many
Luciano Spalletti had changed six of the Italy starting line-up, searching for something, but there was no sign of it as Switzerland were the better side from the outset. Breel Embolo came close to finding the breakthrough even before Remo Freuler’s opener
Switzerland had 65 per cent of the ball and eight of the first nine attempts at goal prior to taking a well-earned lead, when Ruben Vargas’ centre was met by the Nottingham Forest midfielder. He became the sixth different scorer for his side at Euro 2024.
Vargas became the seventh just 27 seconds after the restart. Italy lost possession from their own kick-off and when the ball reached the winger on the edge of the penalty box, he curled beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the top corner.
Italy offered little in response, coming closest to pulling one back only when Fabian Schar headed against his own crossbar. Their reign as champions of Europe is over. Switzerland’s bid will continue against England or Slovakia next weekend in Dusseldorf.
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti admitted that his side performed below par.
“That goal at the start of the second half cut our legs. We were not very incisive. What made the difference is the pace. We had a pace that was too inferior to them in the first half. Even in the individual players, there was a different pace,” he said.
READ ALSO Jamal Musiala Impressive As Germany Zoom Into Knockout Stage
Germany knocks out Denmark
Meanwhile, host Germany continued their jolly ride knocking out Denmark in style in front of 61,612 spectators at the Signal Iduna Park.
Nigeria born German international, Jamal Musiala, scored his third goal of the tournament and looks like a strong contender for the highest goal scorer award of the tournament. Teammate Kai Havertz scored the first goal against Denmark with Musiala increasing the tally in the 68th minute of the encounter to seal their place in the quarterfinals.
In other round of 16 matches today, last edition finalists, England, will take on Slovakia, while Spain slug it out with Georgia.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
