Switzerland refuse secret favourites tag: 'We take it step by step'

Switzerland have refused to wear the crown of secret favourites at Euro 2024 after they ousted holders Italy with a 2-0 win in the last 16 on Saturday.

"A lot can happen, one game can be decisive. Of course, we're strong, but we have to keep our feet on the ground," coach Murat Yakin said when asked if Switzerland were now the dark horses to win the tournament, a moniker so far bestowed on Austria by pundits.

"We take it step by step, no matter who we play. We focus on ourselves, we don't want to be distracted by our opponents," he said, referring to the quarter-final clash against England or Slovakia.

Goalscorer and Man of the Match Ruben Vargas said: "We often showed that we can beat the best teams.

"As to whether we get praised or not, it doesn't really bother us because we're focused on ourselves."

The Augsburg player said that his performance - with one goal and one assist - was not to put on a show for bigger clubs such as Real Madrid or Manchester City.

"I'm not thinking about that, I'm fully focused on the Swiss national team and I'm very happy with the fact that we made it to the quarters," he said.

Switzerland defeated Italy for the first time in over 31 years to reach their only second quarter-finals at a European Championship.

"I hope history is not done yet and we can continue to write it," Yakin said.