Wales' Sam Vokes in action with Northern Ireland's Gareth McAuley and Craig Cathcart during Euro 2016's Round of 16 between Wales and Northern Ireland in Parc des Princes, Paris, Franceon June 25, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] |
LENS - "Red Dragon" Wales roared into the Euro 2016 quarterfinals, creating their best result in a major soccer tournament since 1958 World Cup. Poland booked their first quarterfinal berth in the Euro history, and all the three Round of 16 matches played on Saturday were tight, featuring penalty shootout, own goal or late goal as tiebreakers.
The first duel of Round of 16 kicked off in Saint Etienne. Poland defeated Switzerland 5-4 on penalty shootout.
Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka, who plays for Arsenal, became the only one out of the 10 penalty takers to miss the kick.
The two sides tied 1-1 after the regular time and both failed to score in the extra time.
Poland took the lead after 39 minutes, with winger Jakub Blaszczykowski sliding the ball past Swiss keeper Yann Sommer from close range.
Xherdan Shaqiri made it 1-1 in the 82nd minute with a stunning overhead kick from 18 meters. It is expected to be one of the top goals in Euro 2016.