It would have been the flattering lucky punch after a one-sided game: In the 87th minute, Noah Okafor could have turned to Unai Simon alone after a mistake in the Spanish back line, but was unable to control the ball.
The Swiss substitutes had chances to equalize several times in the closing stages. Even if the narrow 1-0 defeat against the Spaniards, who were still winless in the Nations League, hurt in the final minutes of the game, it was okay due to the way the game went.
Switzerland allows little
In Geneva, however, there was no sign of the overconfidence that the Nati were sometimes said to have had after the defeats against the Czech Republic and Portugal. The astounding style of play with which Switzerland almost brought the Spaniards to their knees in the quarter-finals of the European Championship last summer was also not apparent.
Like the guests, Murat Yakin made eight changes compared to the last game. But even with supposedly newly gained impulses, the Swiss hardly had any access to the game. Instead, the dominant Iberians controlled the midfield at will and only sporadically pushed their attacks with the lead in the back.
Spain’s luck of the fit
At the beginning of the game, it was referee Serdar Gözübüyük, who brought the ball into focus twice within a few turns of the hand.
- 7 minutes: In the penalty area, defender Pau Torres appears to be grabbing the ball in a duel with Breel Embolo. The action was preceded by an uninspired excursion by Spain goalie Simon, who prevented Remo Freuler from throwing in quickly.
- 13 minutes: Eray Cömert makes a bad pass on the sixteen and remains only second winner in the duel with Marcos Llorente. His cross is used by Pablo Sarabia, who is very close to being offside.
While Gözübüyük’s whistle remained silent in the first action, the Dutchman, after consultation with the video referee, gave the Spaniards the lead a little later.
2nd chance in Geneva
On Sunday (from 8:05 p.m. live on SRF), Switzerland, who are still pointless, will have the chance to end the international game phase on a halfway conciliatory note after three defeats. With Portugal as an opponent, however, the task will not be any easier.