The Swiss women's national team loses 0:1 to European champions England. Pia Sundhage's team cannot be rewarded for a courageous performance in the last international match of the year.
On Friday evening, some people in the Swiss national team looked towards Sheffield with worry lines. After the 6-0 defeat to Germany in Zurich, there were fears of a similar debacle against European champions England on Tuesday.
But at Bramall Lane, the oldest stadium where professional football is still played, the Swiss did well. Although they lost 1-0, they put in a courageous performance, especially in the second half, in which they managed to put the Lionesses under pressure on several occasions.
Iman Beney forced England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton into a save after the young YB player had found herself alone in front of her (55'). And Meriame Terchoun saw her shot from distance deflected over the bar by the Chelsea goalkeeper (79')
These were the two best chances for Pia Sundhage's team, who, with the exception of two players, had sent out the same team that had learned a lesson against Germany. Of course, most of the 2022 European champions started on the bench for England. Coach Sarina Wiegman gave two players their debut.
And yet it was remarkable how the Swiss, led by substitutes Noemi Ivelj and Lydia Andrade as well as the cheeky Beney and Terchoun, increasingly took control of the game. Even if the reward in the form of a goal was ultimately not forthcoming. In stoppage time, Andrade fumbled in the England penalty area after a bold advance. However, the penalty whistle and the last chance to equalize were denied the SFA team.
For Switzerland, the coming football year, which has a major highlight in July with the home European Championship, starts in February with two Nations League games against Iceland and Norway.
SDA
