Shocked Italy, Switzerland Immediately Focused On The Next Match

Swiss midfielder Ruben Vargas (right) et al celebrated a goal in the match against Italy in the last 16 of Euro 2024. Switzerland won 2-0 and qualified for the quarter-finals. (X@EURO2024)

JAKARTA - A surprise from Switzerland when they eliminated the defending Italian champions in ERuo 2024. However, coach Murat is sure that the euphoria of the 2-0 victory in the round of 16. Switzerland immediately focused on facing their next match against England or Slovakia in the quarter-finals.

Switzerland unexpectedly beat Italy in a duel at the Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Saturday, June 29, 2024 evening WIB. In that match, Italy, who are defending champions, was unable to face Switzerland who played well.

Even Switzerland deserved to win the match. Especially after they took the lead through Remo Freuler's goal in the first half.

Italy tried to get up in the second half. But the game has only been running for one minute, Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal has conceded again.

This time, midfielder Ruben Vargas, who had appeared aggressive since the beginning of the match, managed to increase Switzerland's advantage.

Swiss coach Murat Yakin said the strategy to suppress the Italian defense was key to winning the match. According to him, Italy was unable to get out of the pressure that resulted in them not being able to catch up with goals.

"We force them to be busy [to hold] and make opponents play under pressure. It's not a matter of winning but how we win it," said Yakin.

"We hope this is not the end of the journey. We want to continue to make history," he said.

Convinced to say victory over Italy shows that Switzerland is able to compete with the leading teams.

However, he did not want to be complacent and the team had to refocus on their next opponent. Switzerland may meet England if they can beat Slovakia.

"Only a good team can survive at the Euros. We show that we are able to compete with big teams like Germany and Italy," said Yakin.

"This is also an important signal that we can play well and win games. We are not just holding on but being able to dominate the game," said Yakin, who has played at German clubs Stuttgart and mitigation.

"We've won an important game. But we've had to prepare for the next game, especially after watching the [England match against Slovakia]. We have to stay focused on ourselves," he said.

Meanwhile, Vargas said Switzerland tried not to give Italy the opportunity to develop the game. This is what makes it difficult for Italy because they do not expect to face opponents who play aggressively.

"We are a problem for them because we played aggressively from the first second," Vargas said.

"We always excel in good positions. We don't let them breathe," said Vargas, who was the best player in the match.