Introduction
UEFA EURO 2020, a competition where 24 countries play for Europe’s ultimate glory, has come down to its last 8 teams. Every team has its own managerial style and players to showcase the world of football. They fought through their groups and battled it out with their RO16 rivals to reach the Quarter-Finals of the European Championship. We have to see who climbs the ladder and who packs their bags between the journey.
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Starting off the Quarter-Final stages will be a game between the young and fierce Spain, facing the adamant and fighting Switzerland. Spain has battled their way out with the 8 goal thriller in Copenhagen vs Croatia, which ended 3-5 after extra time. For Switzerland, they defeated France in Penalties 5-4 after the game was drawn 3-3 and no results drawn in extra time. So, let us check what is so special about this game and look after the team status.
Why to watch out for
For the first time in EURO history, Spain is facing Switzerland, last time they met in a major tournament in the 2010 World Cup was the Swiss won 1-0. Spain has played the Swiss 22 Times, in which they have won 16 times, drew 5 times, and lost once. Spain has become the first team to score 5+ goals in consecutive games, where they hadn’t scored more than 4 goals in any of their first 42 matches in the competition. Switzerland has scored 3 goals for the first time since October 2017, where they didn’t score even 2 in their first 15 games.
Alvaro Morata has more shots on target for Spain (8) than anyone in EURO 2020, but he is also the joint highest scorer for Spain (2). Haris Seferovic has scored 2 goals in 3 games in EURO 2020 for the Swiss, netting only once in 13 games in major tournaments (World Cup/EURO). Ferran Torres has scored twice in 2 games, with a chance to make it three in a row feat, which no Spanish player has achieved.
Team Glance
Spain
After a decent start to their EURO Campaign with two consecutive draws, Spain made their mark by defeating Czech 5-0 and Croatia 5-3 in Extra-Time. Luis Enrique’s unique managerial style made it possible for Spain to achieve the feat of 5+ scored in the back-to-back games. Young Spaniards giving their best is a relief for Spanish Management. The question about their defense still exists, but they need this one game to put a stopper to that. As a team, they are developing but you can’t dent the fact that against Croatia, their passion gave them the win after Extra-Time.
Luis Enrique might not make any change vs the Swiss but might consider giving Oyarzabal a place in starting XI. There might be a concern about a core team but Spain will go all-out in the matters of the attack to add some starting pressure. Alvaro Morata and Pablo Sarabia are going to be their key men to ensure the victory. Captain Busquets also has the task of handling the ball and playing according to the manager’s plans.
Form
(EURO 2020): – DDWW
Predicted XI
Formation: – 4-3-3
Defenders: – Gaya, Laporte, Eric Garcia, Azpilecueta
Midfield: – Llorente Busquets Koke
Attack: – Sarabia Morata Torres
Switzerland
The most adamant in the game and the bravest of the two, the Swiss will look forward to win this fixture to get the first win in EURO against Spain. After getting the lucky Spot to the RO16 via point difference, Swiss defeated the French in the most dramatic fashion possible and made it to the Quarter-Finals. Haris Seferovic’s contribution to the team and team’s fighting spirit has helped them get through the RO16.
Petkovic has a responsibility in hand to make a strong team against Spain, giving Xhaka and Shaqiri and bit off a free role in the midfield. Seferovic must be doing what he does the best, finishing the plays made by the players around. Embolo must be given a chance given his speed and agility, which Spanish defence can’t tackle mostly. Swiss has to find their aura to hustle against the odds of Spain to emerge victorious.
Form
(EURO 2020):- DLWW
Predicted XI
Formation – 3-4-1-2
Defenders: – Ricardo, Akanji, Elvedi
Midfielders: – Zuber, Xhaka, Freuler, Widmer.
Attacking Midfielder:- Shaqiri
Forwards: – Seferovic, Embolo
Players to watch out for
Spain
Ferran Torres
The young Spainard who made his mark in the Premier League has also made his mark in Spain National Team. His accurate power on Shots, top-class finish and quick anticipation. All these attributes makes him the Player to watch out for.
Alvaro Morata
One of the most experienced in the squad, he is the man to guide the ball to the back off the net. He had scored 2 goals so far but can expect from Morata. He is gonna be the key to a Spanish attack.
Switzerland
Haris Seferovic
This striking machine had shined throughout the EURO after getting a lead role in the Swiss team. He has everything a striker needs and he is gonna be the man to have a look.
Xherdan Shaqiri
Shaqiri has been the most experienced guy for Switzerland in major tournaments. His playmaking and keen look at a loose ball can be the outstanding factor for Shaqiri. Switzerland has all hopes from this player due to his contribution.
Conclusion
Spain has a point to prove to the world, whereas the Swiss are going to emerge the dark horses of this tournament to defy the odds against them. Spain needs their attack to be better on the given day, but it is just their cards that need to be played right for the Swiss. This game has it all, emotions, drama, suspense, and load and loads of entertainment. So, take your buckets of Popcorn and sit in front of your TV sets, because it is UEFA EURO 2020, we can expect a Pure game of Football.
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