KATHMANDU: Spain has entered the semi-finals of the Women’s Euro Cup football tournament by defeating home team Switzerland.

World champions Spain struggled to find success after being held to a draw by the home team in the first half.

Atheneza del Casetina and Claudia Pena were instrumental in giving Spain, who have yet to win a European Cup, a lead in the second half. With the victory, Spain has advanced to the semi-finals for the first time since 1997.

Spain had already missed two penalty chances. Del Castillo scored the first goal in the 66th minute, four minutes after coming on as a substitute. Pina followed five minutes later.

Switzerland was reduced to 10 men after Noenja Medley received a red card in injury time.