After a playful 2-0 lead – Nielsen: “Realized the changes in Portugal’s game too late” – Sport


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In the Swiss camp, disappointment and self-criticism prevail after the 2-2 draw against the Portuguese at the start of the European Championship.

Nils Nielsen didn’t care how. What counted for the Swiss national team coach was the victory in the opening game of the European Championship against Portugal. And his team seemed to live up to his expectations: with two early goals, they started the European Championship adventure in England in a very relaxed manner.

Surprised at the start itself

The fact that a 2-0 result is a dangerous one became apparent within seven minutes after the change of sides. The Swiss had acted too passively for too long and got the reward with the prompt connection and equalizer. After the final whistle, captain Lia Wälti expressed her disappointment and referred to the strong start: “Of course, the disappointment outweighs the disappointment when you start like this.”

The Emmental woman was also surprised that after Switzerland’s two clear defeats such a furious start would succeed: “At the beginning things went better for us than we had hoped for.” However, the early lead became more and more of a burden in the Swiss game. “Afterwards we stood too low and lost structure and aggressiveness,” said Wälti.

Now two exploits are needed

Trainer Nielsen was also disappointed that Switzerland was not able to win the calculated victory: “This result means that we now have to score points in the next two games.” Not an easy task against the Dutch and Swedes, who are clearly stronger.

Legend:

long faces

At the Swiss women’s national team after the final whistle in Leigh.

Keystone/EPA/PETER POWELL

“It’s inexplicable to me why we lost so many balls with the lead behind us,” Nielsen tried to analyze immediately after the final whistle. “Portugal was faster and put us under pressure in the second half.”

Finally, Nielsen, who only made a change in the final quarter of an hour and in stoppage time, took a sniff at himself: “I realized too late that the Portuguese made tactical changes in their game.”

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