Switzerland Triumphs 2-0 Over Italy: Vargas Unleashes Spectacular Goal as Defending Champions Bow Out of Euro 2024
Switzerland marched into the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a commanding 2-0 takedown of Italy in Berlin, spotlighting Ruben Vargas’s pivotal goal and assist.
Merely 27 seconds into the second half, Vargas unleashed a masterful curler from the edge of the box, building on his earlier assist that set up Remo Freuler’s opening strike.
Truth told, the score somewhat flattered Italy, who barely slipped past Group B after a dramatic last-minute leveler against Croatia.
This upset ensures Spain alone retains its title as the only consecutive European Championship winner, spanning 2008 and 2012. Meanwhile, Luciano Spalletti’s debut as Azzurri manager culminated in disenchantment.
Next Saturday in Dusseldorf, Switzerland encounters either England or Slovakia, marking their scant second appearance in a European Championship quarter-final.
From the outset, the Swiss were relentless. By the 24th minute, a lofty pass from Michel Aebischer found Breel Embolo, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to thwart the potential lead with a stellar save.
Freuler’s clinical movement paid dividends in the 37th minute, positioning him perfectly to volley Vargas’ low cross past Donnarumma at close quarters.
Donnarumma’s reflexes spared Italy further damage before halftime, repelling Fabian Rieder’s cunning free-kick.
Disaster struck for Italy immediately in the second half when Nicolo Fagioli’s blunder led to Vargas’ brilliant goal, swiftly altering the game’s tempo.
Although Fabian Schar nearly allowed an Italian resurgence by inadvertently directing a cross toward his own post, fortuitous misses ensued with Italy’s Gianluca Scamacca later striking the post as well.
In the waning moments, Steven Zuber nearly amplified Switzerland’s lead, sending a sharp drive skimming past the goal.
Italy caught cold
Post-intermission, Italy hoped for invigoration, especially after substituting Stephan El Shaarawy with Mattia Zaccagni, the latter having clinched Italy’s previous advancement with a crucial equalizer.
This hope rapidly dissipated as Switzerland, barely conceding the ball, observed Vargas execute one of the tournament’s standout goals, his strike becoming the second fastest post-halftime goal in Euros history.
Vargas the star in memorable win
Ahead of this clash, Italy had every reason to be wary of Switzerland, recalling the Swiss ousting of France in Euro 2020. Additionally, the teams’ subsequent draws in the World Cup qualifying underscored Switzerland’s tenacity.
Under Murat Yakin’s tactful leadership, Switzerland excelled, outperforming Italy across the board with Vargas shining brightly.
Furthermore, Vargas set a record as the first Swiss player since records began in 1966 to score and assist during a knockout match at a major tournament. His achievement also underscored the depth of the Swiss squad, Vargas being the seventh distinct player to score for his nation in this tournament—a historic feat for Switzerland.
