Euro 2025: Spain ruthlessly ends Switzerland's spirited run in quarterfinals
Swiss resistance was broken by the world champion's two goals in a five-minute spell midway through the second half.
Athenea Del Castillo slotted in a shot from Aitana Bonmatí's flicked assist in the 66th, just four minutes after coming off the bench, and Clàudia Pina curled a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 71st.
Spain will play France or Germany in the semifinals next Wednesday in Zurich. The winner will face defending champion England or Italy in the July 27 final at St. Jakob-Park, Basel.
Spain has a tournament-leading 16 goals yet could not score from the spot.
Mariona Caldentey skewed her penalty badly wide in the ninth minute and Alexia Putellas' shot was saved by Livia Peng in the 88th.
Switzerland's spirited young team gave its noisy home fans hope of a stunning upset, even more so after Caldentey's bad miss was greeted by a grateful roar by the sold-out Wankdorf Stadium.
Spain also struck the posts of Switzerland's goal three times including in back-to-back chances in a frantic scramble at a corner in the 60th.
Switzerland defender Noelle Maritz was sent off in stoppage time for a foul.
Spain has reached the semifinals for the first time since 1997. It lost to the Swiss in the quarterfinals at Euro 2022, played in England.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
FC Barcelona adds more firepower with Marcus Rashford loan
The post FC Barcelona adds more firepower with Marcus Rashford loan appeared first on ClutchPoints. FC Barcelona has secured another attacking threat, agreeing to a deal with Manchester United for Marcus Rashford on loan until June 30, 2026, per ESPN. The agreement includes an option for a permanent transfer, reportedly set at around €30 million ($34.9 million). Rashford, who will wear the No. 14 jersey, expressed excitement about his fresh start in Catalonia, calling Barcelona a club 'where dreams come true.' The move comes at a crucial point in Rashford's career. Once regarded as one of Europe's brightest young talents, the 27-year-old forward has struggled to find consistency in recent seasons, spending part of last year on loan at Aston Villa after falling out of favor at United. He had also been training separately from the first team in Manchester after coach Ruben Amorim made it clear he wasn't in his plans. Now, Rashford gets the opportunity to reignite his career on one of football's biggest stages. A new piece for Barcelona's loaded attack Barcelona, the reigning LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Supercopa champions, already boasts an impressive attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski. Rashford's arrival adds depth, versatility, and valuable experience to the front line as the team prepares for another demanding campaign. The Catalan club initially targeted Spain international Nico Williams this summer, but his decision to sign a long-term extension with Athletic Bilbao redirected their attention toward Rashford. Despite having one of the most prolific attacks in Europe last season, Barcelona clearly wanted one more piece to maintain their competitive edge, especially as they aim to go deeper in the Champions League after falling to Inter Milan in the semifinals. Rashford, who came through Manchester United's youth system and debuted for the first team at 18 in 2016, now has a chance to revive his career while helping Barcelona chase more silverware. For both the player and the club, this deal has the potential to be transformative. Related: Venus Williams reveals engagement to actor after historic comeback win Related: Patriots' Stefon Diggs chasing around dog he almost lost is funniest thing you'll see today
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
How will Bradley choose end of Ryder Cup roster?
After Jordan Spieth candidly assesses his Ryder Cup chances, George Savaricas and Paige Mackenzie weigh the back end of the Ryder Cup U.S. Team picture and what could be the deciding factors in those last few spots.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ryan: U.S. making Ryder Cup 'as messy as possible'
Golf Digest's Shane Ryan reacts to a Ryder Cup rules addendum with Keegan Bradley implications and critiques the way the U.S. Ryder Cup Team has complicated the roster situation ever since choosing Bradley as captain.
