The Swiss women’s national football team suffered a heavy defeat against Germany in a friendly match, ending with a score of 0:6 at Letzigrund. Despite a strong first half, Switzerland struggled in the second half as Germany scored five additional goals. The match set a new attendance record for women’s games in Switzerland, with 17,306 fans present. Switzerland will next face England in Sheffield, with Amira Arfaoui replacing the injured Ramona Bachmann.
Swiss Women’s National Team Faces Tough Loss Against Germany
The Swiss women’s national football team endured a challenging defeat in their recent friendly match against Germany, concluding with a score of 0:6. This match, held at Letzigrund, set a new attendance record for women’s games in Switzerland, attracting an impressive 17,306 fans. In the first half, the Swiss team, despite being significantly weakened, managed to hold their own against their formidable opponents. However, following the halftime break, Germany intensified their performance, showcasing their strength.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
At halftime, the Swiss squad likely felt optimistic, having only conceded a single goal just before the break. A corner kick allowed Germany to take the lead, but the Swiss players showed resilience during the first half. Unfortunately, the match took a turn for the worse as the second half unfolded. The crowd witnessed a series of goals that highlighted Germany’s dominance:
- 50th minute: Substitute Pia-Sophie Wolter assists Laura Freigang, who scores effortlessly.
- 56th minute: A misjudgment by Viola Calligaris allows Lea Schüller to head in the third goal.
- 64th minute: Freigang finds space in the center and nets her second goal.
- 73rd minute: Debutant Cora Zicai scores the fifth goal with an assist from Freigang.
Coach Pia Sundhage utilized the opportunity to give her players valuable experience, but the match had become disjointed, leaving Switzerland with few chances to score. Despite the unfavorable outcome, the fans maintained an uplifting atmosphere, cheering on their team until the very end. In stoppage time, Schüller added a final goal, sealing the match at 0:6. This defeat marked the 18th loss in 19 matches against Germany, with a staggering goal difference of 4:93.
Before the match even began, Sundhage faced a setback with the absence of Ramona Bachmann due to a viral infection, adding to an already extensive injury list that included key players like Naomi Luyet and captain Lia Wälti. Throughout the game, Switzerland initially managed to keep Germany at bay, allowing them possession but limiting their scoring opportunities. Elvira Herzog made crucial saves, reflecting Switzerland’s strong defensive efforts early on.
Looking ahead, the Swiss team is set to face England on Tuesday in Sheffield at 8:30 PM. Amira Arfaoui has been called up to replace the ill Bachmann. The last encounter between these two teams ended in a 0:4 defeat for the Swiss women during the EURO preparation in 2022 in Zurich.