In the early morning of June 30, Beijing time, the European Cup finally entered the quarterfinals, and the first matchup came from Switzerland and Italy.
Switzerland, ranked 19th in the world, is a tough nut to crack. In the final round of the group stage, Switzerland led Germany 1-0 in regulation time. Had it not been for Phil Kruger's equaliser, Switzerland would have finished top of the group and moved into the top half of the death zone.
But the price of finishing second in the group was to meet Italy, ranked 10th in the world, in the knockout round. As the defending champions, Italy stumbled in the group stage, drawing with Croatia, losing to Spain, and narrowly beating Albania, while Italy qualified second in the group with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss.
Because it was a winner-or-lose knockout match, after the opening, both teams played quite cautiously, and the game seemed too dull. Fifteen minutes into the first half, the two teams combined for just one innocuous shot on goal.
In the 22nd minute, there was the first dangerous shot on goal, Darmian dragged behind, and Embolo formed a one-on-one momentum, but the final shot failed to get out of the angle and Donnarumma saved the ball.
Two minutes later, Italy also knocked the mountain and shook the tiger, Chiesa Jr. feintted in the box to shake off the defender, but unfortunately the subsequent shot failed to form a threat and was blocked by the defender.
As the game progressed, the Swiss team gradually increased their attempts at goal, but more of them were rushed shots, and it was difficult for Donnarumma to make more moves.
After 35 minutes, the Swiss team even 10 men pressed through the half, forming a siege on Italy. In the 36th minute, a lineup appeared in the middle of the Italian penalty area, and Floyler scored with a strong shot.
In first-half stoppage time, Switzerland had a chance to extend their lead, when Reed's powerful shot was saved by Donnarumma and the ball hit the post.
At half-time, Switzerland led 1-0 and both teams had 9-1 shots on goal, with Italy playing too passively.
Just 30 seconds into the second half, Italy suffered another blow, and after a series of wonderful combinations, Vargas shot into the corner, Donnaru couldn't reach the whip, and the Swiss team led 2-0.
What should I do if I fall behind by two goals? The Italian players looked quite helpless, and when the Swiss players controlled the ball at their feet, the Italian players couldn't grab it at all, which can be described as weak.
On the other hand, the Swiss team played with style and ease, and through skillful ball control, the flame of Italy's counterattack was extinguished by itself.
At the end of the match, FIFA No. 19 Switzerland defeated FIFA No. 10 Italy 2-0, and the defending champions were disappointed and embarrassed in four games.