What a tournament Euro 2020 has been. It’s been full of shocks, surprises and controversies. It’s genuinely difficult to keep track of all the memorable events that have taken place. However, nothing set the world alight quite like Switzerland’s game against France in the last 16.
For Switzerland, Euro 2020 will go down as one of their most memorable international campaigns ever. Their squad was unremarkable, but they simply refused to be beaten on multiple occasions. They weren’t devoid of quality by any means. The Swiss had players like Ricardo Rodriguez, Breel Embolo and Xherdan Shaqiri who are all very talented and play for big clubs.
When compared to some of the other teams at the tournament however, it’s fair to say they weren’t expected to make much progress.The Swiss showed us what football is all about. They sprung shocks and gave everything they had for their country. At times, watching the effort they put in was truly exhilarating.
But just how did they get on? Was their unlikely run a fluke, or a monumental achievement? Let’s have a deeper look.
Euro 2020: Switzerland Prove Their Class
The Group Stages
Switzerland’s Euro 2020 campaign began when they faced Wales in the group stage. The Swiss struck first at the beginning of the second half through Embolo. They looked to be good value for their lead, until the towering Kieffer Moore headed in a late equaliser. The game ended 1-1, disappointingly so for the Swiss.
In the following game, they faced Italy, who surgically picked the Swiss apart. The Swiss attack posed little to no threat against Italy’s well-drilled back line. Conversely, Italy broke efficiently at the other end, bringing Switzerland to a 3-0 defeat.
This left Switzerland needing a win in their final game to have any hope of making the knockout stages. Thankfully for them, they faced a very subpar Turkey team who were there for the taking. They did what they needed to do, beating Turkey 3-1.
With this, Switzerland were through to the knockout rounds.
The Knockout Rounds
This put Switzerland into the knockout stages, but in their way stood an daunting foe – tournament favourites France. The French had yet to hit their stride, but were expected to stylishly sweep the Swiss aside.
The Swiss started strongly, giving France little room to operate. Their efforts were rewarded with an early goal, stunning the French into silence.
However, in the second half, their quality began to show. In the space of two minutes, Karim Benzema pegged the Swiss down to 2-1. A few minutes later, Paul Pogba scored an thunderbolt to make it 3-1. Game over – or was it?
Switzerland continued to fight, scoring again to make it 3-2. France were coasting, but didn’t control the game as they should have. Shockingly, in the 90th minute, Mario Gavranovic managed to snatch an equaliser.
Both teams looked lethargic in extra time. Switzerland had given it their all, whilst the French were dejected. Eventually, the full-time whistle blew again and penalties beckoned.
Every penalty flew in, all bar one – Mbappe’s. The favourites were out – the Swiss had done the unthinkable. And moreover, they fully deserved it.
A euphoric Switzerland faced Spain in the quarter finals, but lightning didn’t strike twice. They once again fought valiantly, taking Spain to penalties. However, this time they weren’t so lucky – the Swiss only scored one of their penalties. They were out, but they could certainly hold their heads high.
Post Euro 2020: What Does The Future Hold For Switzerland?
Euro 2020 has given Switzerland and their manager, Vladimir Petkovic, plenty to build upon. They have plenty of good, young talents – Becir Omeragic, Ruben Vargas and Eray Comert, to name a few.
Petkovic is primarily a defensive coach. Young defenders like Omeragic, Comert and Jordan Lotomba will no doubt learn a lot from him. Moreover, the Swiss’ experienced players at the back, like Ricardo Rodriguez and Fabian Schar, can pass on their knowledge. A solid defensive base is always a necessary component of a successful team – especially in tournament football.
A good showing in the 2022 World Cup would be an excellent way for the Swiss to prove that 2020 wasn’t a fluke. So far, their chances of qualification look good, having won their first two qualifying matches.
In their group are European champions Italy, so they will probably have to rely on the playoffs. However, as they proved against France, on their day the Swiss can beat anyone.
With a strong defence, composed midfielders and lively forwards, Switzerland could spring another shock should they make it to Qatar.
