The Swiss coach, Vladimir Petkovic, considered that the expulsion of Remo Freuler in the second half “conditioned” the match against Spain, since it occurred after his team's draw, which ended up falling in the penalty shoot-out.
“Unfortunately, the red one conditioned the game. I didn't see the play well, but I think it was very rigorous, “Petkovic said at the end of the match at the Krestovski stadium.
Petkovic was surprised that an English referee sanctioned Freuler's action with a red card. “In England that play is foul, but never red.”
“It may be that it was his turn, but it was a tough decision. We had to play one less for a long time against such a strong team. It was very difficult for us ”, he pointed out.
The Swiss coach assured that, in any case, his players can go home “with their heads held high.”
“I am always positive. I am very proud of my players. All my players were heroes tonight. I can not complain about anything. Hats off to my players. We gave it our all. We were close to the semifinals, “he said.
He acknowledged that the effort made in extra time influenced the lack of success of his players in the penalty shoot-out. They scored one, missed another and the other two were stopped by the Spanish goalkeeper.
“Some arrived very tired. Penalties are always a lottery and this time we lost, “he said.
In addition, he congratulated the winner, Spain, who will play the semifinals in London against the winner of Italy-Belgium.