Bryan Zaragoza’s late penalty ensured a 3-2 victory for Spain against Switzerland in their last Nations League Group A4 match on Monday, with Spain already assured of first place before the game started and Switzerland confirmed to be relegated.
Group Standings and Outcomes
The holders, Spain, concluded their matches with 16 points and have advanced to the quarter-finals, while last-placed Switzerland finishes with just two points. Denmark secured their spot in the quarter-finals after drawing 0-0 against Serbia, placing them in second.
In a match with minimal stakes, coach Luis de la Fuente utilized an entirely different lineup compared to the one that defeated Denmark 2-1 on Friday, and the European champions demonstrated their depth as a team composed of less experienced players successfully accomplished their task.
Match Highlights
First Half: Yéremy Pino Breaks the Deadlock
Spain took the lead in the 32nd minute when Yéremy Pino scored after Pedri’s penalty was saved. The Swiss equalized in the 63rd minute with a goal from Joel Monteiro, but the home team regained the lead just five minutes later with a goal from Bryan Gil.
Second Half: Goals and Drama
Switzerland believed they had secured a draw when Andi Zeqiri scored a penalty just five minutes before the end, but a second penalty awarded in stoppage time gave the Spanish team the victory.
Key Performances and Moments
Spain’s offensive performance was not as vigorous as usual, and in the initial moments, Nico Williams maneuvered past two Swiss defenders to get to the edge of the box but, seeing no support from his teammates, chose to take a shot that flew over the goal.
Morata was brought down by Rodriguez, resulting in the first penalty. Pedri’s penalty was saved by Swiss goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo, and Williams’ follow-up shot was denied, but Pino reacted quickly at the edge of the six-yard box to find the net.
The match became more exciting after halftime, and substitute Joel Monteiro burst through the home defence before calmly placing the ball into the net.
The excitement for Switzerland was brief as Gil, who had just entered the field moments earlier, fought for possession in the box before sending the ball past Mvogo. However, when Spain gave away a late penalty, it seemed that the visitors would finish a disappointing tournament on a high note.
In stoppage time, Zaragoza was brought down in the penalty area, and he converted the penalty to net his first international goal, helping Spain secure their fifth straight victory and conclude a remarkably successful year.
Spain Unbeaten Run Continues
Spain’s 2024 kicked off with a friendly defeat of 1-0 against Colombia, but they have since remained unbeaten in 16 matches, culminating in their victory at Euro 2024 held in Germany.
Promising Signs for the Future
The outlook is positive, as the manager gave defender Aitor Paredes his first opportunity, while Pablo Barrios and Samu Omorodion also made their initial appearances. Additionally, goalkeeperRemiro and midfielder Casado began their journey with the team for the first time.
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