Switzerland looks to achieve their best finish in FIFA Women’s World Cup history by reaching the quarter final stage in the current edition. Since taking over from Nils Nielsen, Inka Grings have not seen the face of victory but will be motivating his side to pick one at the main stage. La Nati are also having key members of the squad carrying tournament experience.
History
This is the second participation for Switzerland in a FIFA Women’s World Cup after competed for the first time in their history in 2015. In their debut campaign, La Nati managed to reach the last 16 stages being one of the best third-placed side in the group stages. They registered only one win with a record 10-1 drubbing of Ecuador in between the defeats to Japan and Cameroon. In the next round, the Swiss suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to hosts Canada to bow out of the tournament.
Qualification for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Switzerland had a close fight with Italy for a direct berth in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Eventually, they lost the first place by just two points and had to settle for a playoff spot after 10 matches. Coumba Sow scored nine goals in this period ending as the top-scorer in the group. The Swiss faced Wales in the playoffs which turned dramatic when Fabienne Humm scored the winner in the last minute of extra-time to send them through. That goal also completed the comeback after Rhiannon Roberts’ opener was cancelled out by Ramona Bachman on the stroke of half-time.
Preparation for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
That victory in October 2022 was the last one for Inka Grings’ side as they failed to get a win in the seven matches after that. Although only two have ended in a loss, too many draws have been accumulated. Goals scored and conceded are almost similar for the side failing to create any rhythm. Even their send-off game before the tournament begins against lowest-ranked participants Morocco also ended 0-0. The only thing which will relieve them of the result is that the nation from Africa also did the same against Italy.
Switzerland Squad for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Goalkeepers: Gaëlle Thalmann (Real Betis), Seraina Friedli (FC Zürich), Livia Peng (Levante)
Defenders: Noelle Maritz (Arsenal), Eseosa Aigbogun (AS Roma), Viola Calligaris (PSG), Luana Bühler (Hoffenheim), Julia Stierli (FC Zürich), Lara Marti (Bayer Leverkusen), Nadine Riesen (FC Zürich), Laura Felber (Servette)
Midfielders: Lia Wälti (Arsenal), Géraldine Reuteler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Coumba Sow (Servette), Sandrine Mauron (Servette), Seraina Piubel (FC Zürich), Marion Rey (FC Zürich)
Forwards: Ana Maria Crnogorčević (FC Barcelona), Ramona Bachmann (PSG), Fabienne Humm (FC Zürich), Alisha Lehmann (Aston Villa), Meriame Terchoun (Dijon FCO), Amira Arfaoui (Bayer Leverkusen)
Head Coach: Inka Grings
Strength
Switzerland have a great balance in their squad and that will make them harder to beat down. The midfield looks to be the standout position on the pitch with captain Lea Wälti, Géraldine Reuteler and Coumba Sow making a solid outfit. The attack is also threatening with fit again Ramona Bachmann, assist-maker Alisha Lehmann and nation’s top-scorer Ana Maria Crnogorčević. They will help the side set the tone in the tournament.
Weakness
The recent goalless draw against Morocco and previously with China and Poland then a 3-3 thriller against Zambia shows the team is lacking consistency. Too much defensive reliance also diminishes attacking drive and Ramona Bachmann is often left alone to do the job all by herself. The absence of winning form starves the side of any momentum ahead of the tournament even though they have not lost many games.
Key Player: Lia Wälti
The lynchpin in Swiss midfield, Lia Wälti’s leadership and class are required for her nation to be at their best in the Women’s World Cup. While Bachmann and Crnogorčević will grow the fruits in attack side by side with the robust back-line, the captain will make sure the midfield remains a dominating factor in matches. Wälti will dictate the play for her side being calm under pressure. On the other hand, the 30-year-old will be the screener for the back-four in giving additional protection and stability.
How will Switzerland Lineup at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023?
Norway FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Groups & Fixtures
Group A
New Zealand
Norway
Philippines
Switzerland
Fixtures
Friday, 21 July 2023
Philippines vs Switzerland - Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (10:30)
Tuesday, 25 July 2023
Switzerland vs Norway - Waikato Stadium, Hamilton (01:30)
Sunday, 30 July 2023
Switzerland vs New Zealand - Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (12:30)
Prediction
Switzerland will be pushing to win the group with Norway being a real competitor if co-hosts New Zealand or debutants Philippines do not pull off an upset. The last 16 will bring in opposition like Japan who will pose a sustainable threat for them from reaching the quarterfinals which will be their highest-ever finish. La Nati could end in the same place as eight years ago but that will not be a step back to the progress made. If they make it to the last eight there is the daunting prospect of facing the holders USA.
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