Switzerland isn't a country automatically associated with football, but their qualification for Euro 2024 in Germany marks their 10th qualification out of the last 11 international tournaments. That being said, the Swiss have never made it beyond the quarter-finals of a tournament.
After the 1966 World Cup in England, Switzerland didn't qualify for another tournament until the 1994 edition in the USA. The Nati didn't qualify for a Euros for the first time until 1996, making the knockout stages for the first time in 2016.
But since the 2014 World Cup, the Swiss have made the knockout stages of every tournament, including this Summer's tournament in Germany.
The Swiss only managed a single win in their group, drawing with Scotland and Germany after beating Hungary in their opening game.
In the win over Hungary Switzerland were dominant, controlling the game masterfully and being clinical in front of goal. Murat Yakin's side were comfortable at half time with a 2 - 0 lead and managed their way through a difficult spell in the second half to win 3 - 1.
The low point of the tournament so far was the draw with Scotland. Despite having more possession and shots on target, the Swiss couldn't negotiate Scotland's clever offside trap; the flag went up five times against Switzerland in their second game.
Despite the frustrating night in Cologne, Xherdan Shaqiri did score one of the goals of the tournament to secure the point that put Switzerland through.
Despite not beating Germany, Switzerland's game against the hosts was by far their best performance. Their high defensive line allowed them to stifle the majority of the hosts' possession football that has dazzled their other opponents.
Beating the Germans on their own patch would've been a sensational result for Yakin's side, especially as it would've given Switzerland top spot in Group A, but Niclas Fullkrug's late equaliser may have been a blessing in disguise.
Switzerland finished second in Group A, setting up an intriguing tie with defending Champions Italy in the Round of 16.
It was something of a revenge mission for the Swiss, with Italy having thrashed them 3 - 0 in the group stages of Euro 2020.
The Nati went on to reach their first-ever Euros quarter-final, losing on penalties to Spain, and have matched that achievement this time around with a very impressive 2 - 0 win over the 2020 winners.
Italy are known to be a very defensive team. Even under new manager Luciano Spalletti, who adopts a slightly more attacking style than his predecessor Roberto Mancini, the Italians were likely to play a slow game.
Yakin got his tactics absolutely spot on, using his back five and front three to squeeze the Italians and forcing them to play quicker football. This completely disrupted the Italian's style of football, allowing the Swiss to enjoy the better of the chances.
Remo Freuler's volley and a beautiful strike from the corner of the box off the right foot of Ruben Vargas booked Switzerland's spot in the last 16, where they'll face England in Dusseldorf.
It's easy to call England favourites, but the Three Lions haven't exactly excelled in Euro 2024 thus far. Switzerland will take the game to them, which arguably suits England, but the quality Yakin's side have played with makes a threat to anyone at this tournament.
In terms of how far they might go, there isn't really a limit. Switzerland's side of the bracket is stacked heavily in their favour, with France, Spain, Portugal, Germany and Belgium all on the other side.
Having already seen off Italy, England are arguably the Nati's biggest threat on their side of the bracket. Austria or the Netherlands will likely be their semi-final opponents, and the Swiss have played better football than either of those nations at this tournament.
Make no mistake, Switzerland aren't the favourites for Euro 2024. Whichever side makes it through to the final from the other side will wear the favourites tag.
Even a victory over England in the quarter-final would be monumental for the Swiss, as it would take them to their first-ever major tournament semi-final. Go a step further, and they'd find themselves in the final, and the very nature of a tournament final favours the underdog.
It's one game of football. One game that could, if Switzerland can keep up this impressive form, make them European champions for the first time.
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