'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Spain break penalties curse
Spain had missed five penalties in a row heading into this match, so it was natural that the Spanish camp wanted to avoid a penalty shootout at all costs. They pushed really hard for a winner in extra time. However, when one wasn't to be found, their worst fears appeared to be coming true.
After their first penalty taker - Sergio Busquets - had his effort rejected by the goalpost, Spain would have felt that their troubles from the penalty spot were going to continue.
However, thanks to some confidently taken penalties thereafter, barring one from Rodri, Spain did just about enough to prevail at the end of the day. They also had Unai Simon to thank for some really sharp saves.
#2 Ricardo Rodriguez puts in a performance to remember
Not long ago, Ricardo Rodriguez was regarded as one of the most exciting young full-backs in world football. While his career may not have panned out as once anticipated, he reminded the world of his qualities once again on Friday evening.
Playing against a lethal Spanish attack that has scored ten goals in its last two games, Rodriguez did not put a foot wrong throughout the 120 minutes of football.
He matched Ferran Torres' rapid movement excellently, and on the rare occasion that the Manchester City winger did get the better of him, Rodriguez's immaculate tackling saved the day. His positioning was also spot-on for most of the match as he made numerous blocks to deny the Spanish forwards from promising situations.
#1 Unai Simon bounces back in style
It was arguably the lowest point in Unai Simon's football career when he made a complete meal of a simple back-pass in his last appearance for Spain. His mistake gifted opponents Croatia a goal out of nothing.
Thankfully for Simon, it did not cost his team the match. However, it was clear he wanted to make amends at the earliest. He did just that against Switzerland - and how!
Not only did he command the backline to near perfection, Simon's distribution was also top-notch. It certainly helped Spain build-up play from the back. The 24-year-old completed 95% of his passes. Most importantly, Simon saved a couple of crucial penalties in the shootout to win his country the match. He was deservedly named the Man of the Match.
