Switzerland and Germany have emerged as formidable contenders in the UEFA Euro 2024, securing their places in the quarterfinals with commanding victories in the round of 16. As the tournament progresses in Germany, these two nations have showcased their prowess, much to the excitement of fans across Europe and beyond.
Switzerland initiated the knockout stage with a stunning upset, dismantling reigning champions Italy in a decisive 2-0 triumph held in Berlin. The Swiss team, often seen as underdogs, delivered a performance that resonated across the tournament, signaling their serious ambitions in Euro 2024.
Remo Freuler of Switzerland celebrates his goal against Italy at UEFA Euro 2024, highlighting Switzerland's strong performance in the Germany-hosted tournament.
The deadlock persisted for over half an hour in a tense encounter at Olympiastadion, Berlin, until Swiss midfielder Remo Freuler masterfully breached the Italian defense, netting the opening goal in the 37th minute. Building on this momentum, midfielder Ruben Vargas, who had earlier provided the assist for Freuler’s goal, unleashed a spectacular strike early in the second half, cementing Switzerland’s dominant 2-0 lead and ultimately sealing Italy’s fate in Euro 2024.
ANOTHER FOR SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭✌️
Switzerland now holds a 2-0 lead over the defending champs in the second half 👀 pic.twitter.com/4fvhW4HKss
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 29, 2024
This victory marked a significant upset, considering the FIFA rankings where Italy stands at No. 10, while Switzerland is positioned at No. 19. Both teams had navigated through the group stages, finishing second in their respective groups, with Switzerland accumulating five points and Italy four. Italy’s journey in the group stage was particularly turbulent, marked by a defeat against Spain due to an own goal and a frustrating 1-1 draw against Croatia, adding to the pressure on the defending champions as they entered the knockout rounds of Euro 2024.
Italy’s triumph in the Euro 2020, played in 2021 due to the pandemic delay, saw them overcome formidable opponents including Belgium, Spain, and England. Their path to victory included tense penalty shootouts against Spain in the semi-finals and England in the final. Despite their European Championship success, Italy has struggled to replicate this form on the global stage, failing to qualify for the last two World Cups, and their Euro 2024 campaign ended abruptly at the hands of a resolute Switzerland.
Switzerland’s advancement to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals mirrors their best-ever performance in the competition, achieved at Euro 2020. Their next challenge will be against the winner of the match between England and Slovakia, setting the stage for another potentially thrilling encounter in their Euro 2024 journey.
Host Nation Germany Advances Past Denmark
Meanwhile, co-host Germany continued their strong Euro 2024 campaign, progressing to the quarterfinals with a solid 2-0 victory over Denmark. Goals from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala propelled the German side forward, setting up a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash against the winner of the Spain vs. Georgia match.
The match in Dortmund, Germany, experienced an unexpected interruption when a thunderstorm caused a 22-minute delay in the first half, which ultimately concluded scoreless.
Denmark appeared to have broken the deadlock in the 48th minute through Joachim Andersen, but jubilation turned to disappointment as the goal was disallowed following a VAR review for offside. The semi-automated offside technology, deployed at Euro 2024, confirmed the marginal offside, much to the dismay of the Danish team and fans.
Another look at the VAR view of the offside call that overturned Denmark’s goal 😬🤏 pic.twitter.com/q0YKofPWp0
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 29, 2024
Adding to Denmark’s woes, a VAR review shortly after confirmed a handball in the box by the unfortunate Andersen, resulting in a penalty awarded to Germany.
48′: Joachim Andersen has goal disallowed
51′: Joachim Andersen’s handball in the box gives Germany a penaltyA brutal few minutes for Joachim Andersen and Denmark 😬 pic.twitter.com/CW7pls67JX
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 29, 2024
Kai Havertz calmly converted the penalty, placing his shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, giving Germany a 1-0 advantage.
Kai Havertz placed this PERFECTLY 👏🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/ra1iPenXn9
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 29, 2024
Jamal Musiala extended Germany’s lead fourteen minutes later, effectively securing the victory for the host nation and extinguishing Denmark’s Euro 2024 aspirations.
MUSIALA MAKES IT TWO 🔥
Germany is pulling away in the second half 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/hxpR1bem2i
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 29, 2024
Germany now benefits from a period of rest as they prepare for their quarterfinal match scheduled for July 5th in Stuttgart. Their performance, alongside Switzerland’s, highlights the host nation Germany’s strong presence in Euro 2024, and sets up thrilling prospects for the upcoming stages of the tournament.
