The Swiss women’s team will deliver its last test before the Euro on Thursday in Zurich (6:00 p.m. on RTS 2). Nils Nielsen’s squad must regain confidence following the heavy defeat (7-0) suffered in Germany.
The task of the Swiss however promises to be delicate once morest the host country of the European championship. The debacle experienced in Erfurt, where they accumulated the errors, raised many questions. The main one being whether Swiss defense meets international requirements.
Friborg goalkeeper Gaëlle Thalmann – who will be replaced by Seraina Friedli on Thursday – has not always done well once morest the Germans, who are admittedly among the favorites for the Euro. But it was the whole defense that sinned, providing plenty of scoring opportunities that Germany were able to convert with composure.
The Swiss were tired, insisted striker Ramona Bachmann who, like all her teammates, might not express herself at all on the offensive level in Germany.
Return of Captain Wälti
Thursday, the Swiss women’s team will nevertheless have to try to give a better image to Letzigrund. She will rub shoulders with English women in great shape. The announced return of captain Lia Wälti, recovered from a thigh injury, will certainly not be too much for Nils Nielsen.
While Switzerland is still waiting for its first victory in 2022, the “Three Lionesses” have won their last 5 matches, beating the Dutch European champions and Germany in particular. The revival of form sparked a wave of euphoria in England, with fans dreaming of a triumphant march to the final in late July at Wembley.
ats/alt
Swiss selection for the Women’s Euro in England (July 6-31)
DEFENSE: AIGBOGUN/Paris FC BUEHLER/Hoffenheim CALLIGARIS/Levante KIWIC/Zurich MARITZ/Arsenal MARTI/Leverkusen RINAST/Koeln STIERLI/Zurich TOUON/Essen
MILIEU: MAENDLY/Servette MAURON/Frankfurt REUTELER/Frankfurt SOW/Paris FC XHEMAILI/Freiburg WAELTI/Arsenal
OFFENSIVE: BACHMANN / PSG CRNOGORCEVIC / Barcelona FOELMLI / Freiburg HUMM / Zurich TERCHOUN / Zurich
Euro 2022 (06-31.07 in England)
Portugal – Suisse 09.07 18h00 Wigan
Sweden – Suisse 13.07 18h00 Sheffield
Suisse – Pays-Bas 17.07 18h00 Sheffield
