26 June 2014

ON THIS DAY: Switzerland exits 2006 World Cup

In this Monday, June 26, 2006 file photo, Switzerland's Marco Streller, left, reacts after missing a penalty kick against Ukraine's goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovskyi, during their World Cup second round soccer match, in Cologne, Germany. Ukraine won 3-0 in a penalty shootout. On this day: Switzerland became the first team in the history of World Cup shoot-outs not to score a single spot kick, and the first team ever to depart a World Cup without conceding a goal in normal play.
On June 26 in World Cup history: Switzerland exits tournament without scoring a penalty in shootout against Ukraine in Cologne, Germany, in 2006. 

After an uneventful round of 16 encounter, Ukraine, in its first World Cup, defeated Switzerland 3-0 on penalties. As a result, Switzerland became the first team in the history of World Cup shootouts not to score a single spot kick. It also became the first team ever to depart without conceding a goal in normal play. Ukraine went through to the quarterfinals where it lost 3-0 to eventual winner Italy. 

(AP)