The round of 16 kicked ended with 29 goals scored, three games determined by extra time and one on a penalty shootout. We witnessed former champions Germany, France, the Netherlands and Portugal all tumble out while never before winners Switzerland, Belgium, Ukraine and England survived to carry on the fight. Not many expected that the qualifiers from the Group of Death would all perish before the quarterfinals, but alas not many outside of Denmark and Ukraine could have predicted them dueling it out for a semi-final spot.

Switzerland 1 - 1 Spain (1-3 penalties), St Petersburg

The landlocked nation of Switzerland has had its fair share of dramatic wins over more heralded nations in major tournaments, when in 1954 they lost at the quarterfinal stage of the World Cup they co-hosted with Austria. A renaissance of sorts began under Roy Hodgson in the '90s but it was under Otmar Hitzfield that the 'golden generation' of Swiss football really took hold. That Petkovic has taken this team to two consecutive World Cup Round of 16 and Euro Round of 16 placings is testament to the excellent coach that he is.

So when they fell behind to an early (and unfortunate) own goal in their match-up against La Roja, to count them out was nothing short of tempting faith. With the discipline to sit deep and absorb pressure then flip the script and press high up the pitch, the Nati were able to disrupt the possession based football of the Spaniards. Even the early loss of Embolo to injury or that inspirational captain Xhaka did not start was not enough to dent their well drilled game plan.

Alba celebrates his deflected goal against the Swiss

Exactly one hour after conceding, they struck - Shaqiri once again on hand to capitalize on hesitancy in the Spanish defense. The turning point of the game was decided by a red card to Freuler which reduced the Swiss to ten men. This spurred Enrique's men to respond, but in Sommer, the Swiss had a keeper in outstanding form determined to see his side thru to extra time. And so, for the second time in five days both sides found themselves locked in battle as normal time expired.

La Roja had the better of the additional half hour, but Sommer denied Oyarzabal and Olmo to force a penalty shoot-out. But each side showed their nerves from the spot, even the level-headed Busquets firing against the upright. This time however, it was Simon in goal for Spain to be the hero, saving two spots for his team to triumph 3-1 on penalties. For the Petkovic and his 'golden generation' they leave with their heads held high, and can take pride that the foundation has been established for future giant killing performances.

Belgium 1 - 2 Italy, Munich

With barely time to catch your breath, it was over to Munich and the titanic clash between the World's #1 ranked team and an Italian side resurrected from their failed qualification to WC 2018. Whereas Martinez's men haven't necessarily hit the heights expected of them, they certainly have the firepower and quality deep in the squad to firmly establish themselves as tournament favorites.

Yet another team with the label of 'golden generation' the Red Devils on the back of goals from Lukaku were looking for to extend their longest unbeaten run in the Euro finals. The early exchanges saw them attempt to go toe to toe with the Italians. However, the absence of Hazard thru injury left de Bruyne with little support in the middle third as he was crowded out by Veratti and Jorginho stifling any supply to the front two.

Martinez ponders as Insigne celebrates their 2-0 lead

The short passing fluid game plan from Mancini pressed Witsel and Tielmans back onto the Belgian defense, who themselves were playing narrow with the Italian full backs bombing forward at every opportunity. When Bonucci had an early goal overruled for offside, the warning bells should have sounded. On the half hour, Barella's trickery allowed him just enough sight at goal to beat Courtouis at his far post.

As the pace of the game picked up, a shift inside by Insigne was followed by a glorious shot from the top of the box to claim a 2-0 lead. Not to be outdone, the speedy Doku drew a foul in the box from di Lorenzo which Lukaku duly dispatched past Donnaruma. The game was well poised for a tense finish as Martinez wrung the changes to freshen up his midfield and attempt to take the game to the Azurri.

Lukaku's missed sitter could have levelled the score

But the pattern of play continued in favor of the Italians. Good chances fell to Chiesa and Spanizzola - the latter having to be stretchered off with possibly his tournament over. The constant pressing and experience in defense kept the Belgians off their best - misplaced passes from de Bruyne, two spurned goal-mouth opportunities from Lukaku and a Doku strike from distance were not enough to level the score.

And so yet another campaign for this talent filled Belgian outfit comes to an end, empty handed. Their disappointment more than that of the Swiss. But cherish the Italians who have filled the tournament so far with the most exciting and fluid of football thus far. A showdown with Spain awaits.

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