Ruben rises to the challenge
Ruben Vargas was given the nod to replace the suspended Silvan Widmer by Murat Yakin, and he didn’t let his head coach down.
The forward became the first Swiss player to score and assist in a knockout match at a major tournament since records began in 1966 – while he’s the second to do so for Switzerland at these finals after Michel Aebischer against Hungary on matchday one.
The Augsburg forward’s strike after 27 seconds of the second half is the second fastest second half goal scored at a Euros after Marcel Coras for Romania against Germany at Euro 1984 (45:21).
Match stats from Olympiastadion Berlin
Switzerland have now made it through to the quarter finals for a second consecutive European Championship – and this after failing to make it out of their group in three of their previous four participations in the competition.
The Azzurri slink out having had just one shot on target.
Full time – Switzerland 2-0 Italy
It’s all over! Not just this match in Berlin, but Italy’s reign as European champions.
Switzerland hadn’t beaten the Italians since 1993, but they eased their way to victory early on in the German capital with a performance of precision and pressure.
Goals from Remo Freuler in the first half and Ruben Vargas – seconds into the second – did the job for Murat Yakin’s team, who will now face either England or Slovakia in the quarter-finals.
Switzerland 2-0 Italy
90. The fourth official’s board goes up to indicate two minutes of stoppage time.
And if you think Italy are throwing everything at Switzerland in an attempt to rescue something spectacular, then you haven’t been paying attention.
Switzerland 2-0 Italy
88. It’s the Switzerland fans making all the noise inside the Olympiastadion.
Only a penalty shoot-out defeat denied them a semi-final spot at Euro 2020. Who would bet against them making it as far this time around?
Switzerland 2-0 Italy – Italy substitution
86. Nicolo Fagioli, whose error led to Switzerland’s second, is withdrawn.
Davide Frattesi is the latest Italian sent on to the pitch without any rhyme or reason.