2023-07-30 11:10:55
The Swiss team trembled but clinched their qualification for the round of 16 of the World Cup. They held on to a 0-0 draw with New Zealand to secure top spot in Group A. They will challenge either Spain or Japan next Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland.
FEAR. The much-feared scenario nearly happened in Dunedin’s magnificent covered stadium, packed to capacity. Sometimes mistreated by the pressing and the pace set by New Zealand, sometimes clumsy in the offensive phase, the Swiss played to scare each other, as often. It is in suffering and pain until the last second that they have won the right to continue their adventure in the antipodes. And they have the merit of having done so without conceding the slightest goal. A real achievement.
Gaelle Thalmann clears the ball with her fists. [Michael Buholzer – Keystone]
WAITING. Switzerland took the risk of waiting for Jitka Klimkova’s players in the first half. This low block wavered for long minutes in an initial period where the Helvetians suffered so much and more without however breaking. In particular, it came close to nothing in the 24th minute when the magnificent lobed shot from Jacqui Hand hit the uprights of Gaëlle Thalmann. Fortunately, the Helvetians came back from the locker room with other intentions and were finally able to get their heads above water.
CLUMSINESS. The Swiss once more lacked precision and sharpness in the last thirty meters. Bad choices, imprecise or off-time passes, lack of risk-taking when shooting: the list of what the Swiss women lacked to be dangerous and score this goal which would have done so much good is long. It is certainly an element that they will have to correct in the round of 16.
Crnogorcevic and Bachmann combine for the Swiss team. [Michael Buholzer – Keystone]
150e. Ana-Maria Crnogrocevic celebrated her 150th selection in the national jersey. The FC Barcelona striker did not really shine in the offensive phase. The 32-year-old Bernese was narrowly narrow in her choices on several good counter-attacking opportunities. After a decent first game and a good match once morest Norway, Crnogrocevic didn’t really prove dangerous. On the other hand, she participated actively in the defense and won some important duels which earned her the player of the match award.
AMBIANCE. The closed stadium in Dunedin has, as expected, been full. Some 25,947 spectators were present in the New Zealand setting to cheer on their national team. They fully played their role as the 12th woman in this match, roaring with each offensive of their heroines and each successful defensive gesture. What to resonate the cathedral of Dunedin and to further increase the pressure on the Swiss.
Dunedin, Ludovic Perruchoud
Read also: “We defended well and we all held together this important point”, rejoices Calligaris
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