Euro 2024: Switzerland Reach Quarterfinals with Victory over Italy

Switzerland qualified for the quarterfinals of the 2024 UEFA European Championship, securing a well-deserved 2-0 win over defending champions Italy in the first round of 16 match held Saturday at the Berlin Olympic Stadium. Remo Freuler opened the scoring for Switzerland in the 37th minute, followed by a second goal from Ruben Vargas in the 46th minute. This marks the second consecutive quarterfinal appearance for Switzerland in their six European Championship participations. They previously exited at the group stage in 1966, 2004, and 2008, and were eliminated in the Round of 16 in 2016. In contrast, the Italian team, which has won the European Championship titles in 1968 and 2020, failed to reach the quarterfinals and retain their title. The four-time World Cup winners (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006) were unable to deliver a performance that would secure them a victory today. Switzerland's success in Euro 2024 mirrors their previous achievements, such as eliminating France in the Round of 16 of the last tourna ment, winning 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 draw. Additionally, Switzerland avenged their 3-0 loss to Italy in the group stage of the previous edition. Switzerland will face the winner of the match between England and Slovakia on Sunday. Source: Qatar News Agency