Poland eliminate Switzerland on penalty shootout to reach Euro 2016 quarterfinals (updated with quotes)

Poland defeated Switzerland 5-4 on penalty shootout in the first round of 16 match of Euro 2016 here on Saturday.

Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka became the only one out of the 10 penalty takers to miss the kick, handing Poland their first quarterfinal berth in the European Championship history.

Arsenal player directed his effort miles wide of the left post.

Adam Nawaka, the head coach of Poland, admitted that they were better prepared for penalty shootout.

"Preparing for this match, we tried to improve our penalties, and we knew they'd be taken in the best possible way," he said. "Emotions were running high so we had to check at the end of extra time if the players still wanted to take them. Everyone had to confirm, and all five of them did."

He added, "The first half was great, excellent. We created many chances and scored a goal, but we could have scored more and taken total control."

Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic said: "I'm very sad for Granit Xhaka, but it's not just about him. Switzerland lost and I'm sad about that. The players gave everything and showed what they can do on the pitch. But unfortunately we made mistakes and paid for that. And then it was the lottery of penalties - if you miss one, it can be crucial."

The two sides were deadlocked at 1-1 after 120 minutes' play.

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 thrilling overhead kick from 18 meters.

Having been unbeaten in 21 of their last 23 international matches, Poland controlled the first half but after the interval, Switzerland looked more like the winner and created more scoring chances.

Xherdan Shaqiri, who plays for English Premier League side Stoke City, emerged very active up front. He weaved past several defenders and delivered a shot, but his powerful drive from 25 meters was punched clear by goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Switzerland's best effort came in the 73rd minute when left-back Ricardo Rodriguez whipped a freekick over the wall but Fabianski got up well to turn it away.

After striker Haris Seferovic's shot had hit the woodwork, Switzerland's efforts were finally paid off. The 24-year-old Shaqiri beat Fabianski with a brilliant left-footed acrobatic effort inside the area for his first goal for his country in 11 games.

Switzerland went forward again in the extra time, probing and pressing away for a winner. Poland were apparently tired and failed to launch any effective attacks but they laughed last and best after the penalty shootout.

Nawaka said of the victory, "This match sparked a lot of emotions and my players did a great job. We look forward to the next game with confidence. We're prepared for it mentally. We still have reserves of strength in our minds and we're releasing them now."

Petkovic tried keep optimistic about the defeat, saying: "We were too nervous at the start, but then we dominated the game. In the second half, we were the side that deserved to score a second goal. I prefer to stay philosophical, though. We gave everything, but it's always sad to go out of a tournament and always sad to go out on penalties." Enditem