- Despite their superiority, the Swiss women’s national team had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Romania in the World Cup qualifier.
- Rahel Kiwic scored a deserved equalizer in the 77th minute.
- Despite the setback, Switzerland remain at the top of Group G.
After 6 wins in 6 qualifying games, the Swiss women’s national team lost points for the first time. Despite the oppressive superiority at times, the Swiss only managed a 1-1 draw in Bucharest.
The fact that Switzerland were able to take a point from Bucharest was thanks in part to the lucky hand of coach Nils Nielsen. Rahel Kiwic, who had come on seconds earlier, steered a cross from Meriame Terchoun, who was also on the bench, into the net in the 77th minute for a well-deserved 1-1 equaliser. The equalizer unleashed new strength in the Swiss women. The lead was in the air, but didn’t fall again despite several high-profile chances.
Switzerland caught off guard before the break
The Nielsen team fell behind almost out of nowhere just before the break. After a corner kick, it was the first for Romania, nobody paid attention to the rushing Maria Ficzay. The defender made it 1-0 for the hosts with a powerful header.
A Swiss lead would not have been undeserved at this point. Especially in the first 20 minutes, the Swiss knew how to please with fluid combination play, but in the end the storm around Alisha Lehmann lacked the necessary consistency. The Aston Villa player missed her best chance after just three minutes when Andrea Paraluta saved the Romania goal.
Here’s how to proceed
Despite the setback, Switzerland still hold the trump cards in Group G. On Tuesday in Thun (5:45 p.m., live on SRF) there will be a top battle against the Italians, who celebrated a 7-0 thrashing of Lithuania and came within a point of Switzerland.