Swiss prove their worth on big stage
Switzerland have in recent times been that team people were surprised to see so high in the FIFA rankings, but this summer they have proven their worth on the big stage, having made history at the European Championship.
Since 2012, Switzerland have been no lower than 16th in the FIFA world rankings, often above football nations that they might not be expected to top. They now sit in 13th place, one below Germany and three spots above the Netherlands.
Qualification for the World Cup and Euros has not been a problem, and they have reached the finals in eight of the last nine tournaments since 2004. But getting past the last-16 stage has not come easy.
That all changed this summer, in style. A first major tournament quarter-final since 1954, when they hosted the World Cup, ended in disappointment against Spain. But their shock last-16 victory over world champions France will live long in the memory.
Goalkeeper Yann Sommer could not perform the heroics he did against the French again as Spain progressed after the shootout, but the Swiss exited knowing that they had done all they could.
"We wake up from the dream", declared Swiss broadcaster RSI after their shootout defeat.
Xhaka's absence against Spain was a blow, but the Swiss did not let that hold them back. "Penalties are a bit 50:50," Shaqiri said after the match. "I think we just lacked a little bit of luck today." "I'm just really proud of the team."
In sports, it's often the winners that are acknowledged extensively that may overshadow an individual from the losing side who stood out and won the hearts of many.
Sommer seemed to put his body on the line to make a total of ten saves to help the 10-man Swiss, who had midfielder Remo Freuler sent off for a studs-up challenge in the 77th minute, survive until the shootout.
Despite saving Rodri's penalty, Switzerland had to face an unfortunate exit from the Euro as Sommer's counterpart Unai Simon saved a couple of penalties that led Spain to win the tie-breaker 3-1 and move to the semis.
"But I'm so proud of the team, what we've achieved here with the whole country behind us." the Swiss goalkeeper said after the defeat.
"Honestly, I'd have given it to Sommer," Spain's Unai Simon upon being named UEFA's official player of the match.
Sommer also saved the match-winning penalty [of Mbappe] against France in the Round of 16 in this Euro.
Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic hailed his players as "heroes". "My players are the heroes of the night," said Petkovic. "We would have deserved to go through. I have mixed feelings. A lot of pride, because we gave everything and we leave here with our heads held high."
"Yann (Sommer) -- he's a hero," added Petkovic. "He didn't have that bit of luck in the penalty shoot-out."
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