Last Updated: September 25, 2022, 08:42 IST
UEFA Nations League: Spain and Switzerland (AP)
Spain’s shock 2-1 loss to Switzerland means they lost ground to Portugal in the race for UEFA Nations League semi-finals
Spain suffered a 2-1 home defeat by Switzerland as goals from Manuel Akanji and Breel Embolo knocked the hosts off the top of Nations League A-Group 2 on Saturday with one game left to play.
Last year’s finalists are now second on eight points having been leapfrogged by Portugal, who breezed past Czech Republic 4-0 away to reach 10 points.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s side will reach the final four with at least a home draw in Tuesday’s crunch game against Spain, who must win in Braga to qualify for the semi-finals.
Switzerland are third on six points, two above than Czechs who they will face on Tuesday in a battle to avoid relegation.
Spain have little time to iron out their flaws ahead of the World Cup in two months’ time and a familiar combination of poor finishing and soft defending from set-pieces cost them against the Swiss in Zaragoza.
“Our first half was as imprecise as any since I’ve been in charge,” said Spain boss Luis Enrique after a first defeat in nine games.
“I can’t remember a match with so many technical errors, especially on the two corners where we conceded goals.”
Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji headed the visitors into a 21st-minute lead.
The hosts responded when Jordi Alba latched onto Marco Asensio’s pass to fire high into the net 10 minutes into the second half.
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