Spain have advanced to the semi-final of the Women’s Euros for the first time since 1997 after beating hosts Switzerland 2-0 in Bern.
The 2023 World Cup winners took more than an hour to break through the home team’s determined defence, with Mariona Caldentey missing a penalty in the ninth minute.
After Spain had hit the woodwork three times, second-half substitute Athenea del Castillo finally opened the scoring in the 66th minute. Claudia Pina then doubled Spain’s lead only five minutes later, scoring a fabulous goal from range.
The Spaniards failed to convert another penalty late as Alexia Putellas was denied by Livia Peng, while the Swiss were reduced to 10 women in second-half stoppage time after Noelle Maritz was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity.
Spain will face either France or Germany in the semi-final on Wednesday.
GO FURTHER
Spain 2 Switzerland 0: Favourites into semis, Bonmati’s magic, more missed penalties