The world champions will compete in the last four once again after two second-half goals broke Switzerland hearts in an eventful quarter-final clash.
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ToggleSpain marched on to the European Championship semi-finals with a comfortable 2-0 victory against hosts Switzerland, who battled hard for an hour and will bow out with their heads held high.
Substitute Athenea del Castillo scored the opener just four minutes after her introduction, sliding home after an audacious back-heel by Ballon d'Or holder Aitana Bonmatí put her clean through on goal. With the Swiss resistance broken, Claudia Pina added a second goal five minutes later with a stunning strike into the top corner from outside the penalty area. Spain missed two penalties and could have been more ruthless in front of goal, while Switzerland saw Noelle Maritz sent off for a last-player foul late on.
World champions Spain came into the match as favourites but the encounter was never going to be an easy task against hosts Switzerland. Despite the great home support it took just seven minutes for the Spaniards to earn a golden opportunity to take the lead, as Nadine Riesen took out Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey for an early penalty. Caldentey stepped up to take the responsibility herself but inexplicably slid the ball wide in a continuation of a difficult few days for penalty takers at this European Championship.
Switzerland defended stoutly in a tight first half, as Spain huffed and puffed but created few clear-cut opportunities. Claudia Pina caught the eye with a series of impressive dribbles from the left, also seeing a 25-yard free-kick palmed away by goalkeeper Livia Peng. The Swiss defended and broke forward with an exuberance reflective of their first-ever Euros knock-out match, with an entire nation cheering them on each time they went on the attack. But it was Pina who would create the final big chance of the half, as her corner was headed onto the post by Irene Paredes.
Switzerland's goal continued to lead a charmed life in the second half, as Spain struck both posts within a matter of seconds. First Patricia Guijarro headed the ball against the post from a corner, before an almighty scramble involving Riesen and Esther Gonzalez ensued and resulted in the ball rebounding off the woodwork once again.
But Spain would be ahead in the 66th minute, Bonmatí at the heart of it and Del Castillo making an instant impact. Just five minutes later Pina scored a deserved second and the game looked over, though there was still time for another penalty miss by Alexia Putellas after Del Castillo was taken out by 18-year-old forward Iman Beney. Maritz was dismissed late on as her side finished with ten players, but the game was already won and Spain will take their place against France or Germany in the semi-finals on July 23.
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Barcelona winger Claudia Pina was outstanding throughout and stood out in a team full of Spanish stars. The 23-year-old caused havoc in the first half with her direct dribbling from the left and forced goalkeeper Peng into multiple saves before she eventually got her goal in the 71st minute. Her curling finish was top class and showed the difference between the two sides, which told in the end.
Switzerland played with heart and kept out the world champions for an hour, while attacking with energy at the other end. But ultimately, Spain's class shone through. Rare errors proved costly, while the hosts also conceded two penalties and could have been punished further on another day. Their defeat was compounded when Noelle Maritz was shown a straight-red card late on.
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Spain will face one of France or Germany in their semi-final clash, with a spot against England or Italy in the final up for grabs. The world champions will be confident of their credentials to go all the way in this tournament.
Switzerland see their European Championship journey end here but will be filled with immense pride as the host nation reached a major quarter-final for the first time in their history.