Goals from corners see Spain stunned by Switzerland

Spain's Nations League hopes took a major hit after suffering a shock 1-2 defeat to Switzerland in Zaragoza. Switzerland's positivity was rewarded with a 27th minute Akanji goal against a Spain side who were second best. After the break, Spain picked up and levelled through Jordi Alba after 55 minutes, but Breel Embolo's goal a few minutes later condemned to defeat and left them having to win against Portugal on Tuesday to progress to the last four. 

Switzerland started the game positively and set the tempo of the contest. The visitors, who are fighting to avoid relegation, had the first opportunity after 12 minutes when Sow headed a ball from Shaqiri over the bar. Then, with 21 minutes on the clock, the away side took the lead. 

Eduardo Vargas' corner found Manuel Akanji in the box and the Man City man's header into the ground bounced over Unai Simon's left arm and into the net. It was a major setback for Spain's hopes of making the semi-finals and the home side hardly troubled the Swiss goal in the first period. 

In fact, Switzerland were extremely comfortable and could have even made it two just before half-time when Xherdan Shaqiri dribbled into the box and forced a save out of the goalkeeper from a tight angle. It was a brilliant first half display and Luis Enrique had work to do at the break. 

 

September 24, 2022

The hosts started the second half well and needed just 10 minutes to level the scores. Marco Asensio got the ball and ran forward going past several opponents in the process before laying off to Jordi Alba. The Barca man hit one into the top corner and Spain were back on level terms. 

Their joy was short lived though as their failure to defend corners cost them once again. Just before the hour mark, a Swiss corner was flicked on by Akanji at the near post and Breel Embolo flicked in from close range. The fact Portugal were also winning added more pressure on the Spanish as they looked for two goals which would have allowed them to just draw in Braga on Tuesday rather than have to win. 

Despite their best efforts, they were unable to get them. Sommer made a couple of fine saves including one from Soler in added time, and Steffen almost conceded a comical own goal when he passed back to his goalkeeper, but the visitors were comfortable. In fact, Switzerland could have got a third on the counter after Simon misjudged a Shaqiri cross had Vargas been able to turn the ball in when it looked easier to score than miss. 

The result leaves Spain having to win against Portugal in their final game to qualify for the semi-finals while the Swiss only need to draw at home to Czech Republic to avoid relegation.