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On Tuesday, the Swiss footballers sting in a single game for the World Cup ticket. Gradually, they feel their way towards the task that is still unfamiliar to them.
The Swiss have exactly one week’s lead time for a mission that will be groundbreaking for their short-term reputation in international comparison. Because the last tickets for the World Cup finals in summer 2023 in Australia and New Zealand are currently being awarded.
The SFV selection gambled away the direct qualification as a group runner-up. Nevertheless, their starting position is comfortable for the World Cup ticket via an additional loop. In an extremely complicated procedure, the women’s national team is set for the second phase and can compete in the playoff on Tuesday in front of a home crowd in Zurich.
With a win after 90 minutes – in a duel against either Wales (30th in the world rankings) or Bosnia-Herzegovina (63rd) – the Fifa number 21 would jump on the World Cup train. If the game goes into overtime, there could be an additional intercontinental play-off, which will not follow until February.
With caution, but also courage
The moving together on Tuesday aroused enormous anticipation, reveals Lia Wälti. First of all, there was a lot to talk about. “We haven’t seen each other for three weeks, but there’s always a lot of catching up to do. Especially now that we’ve all started our championships,” says the midfield strategist with a smile.
Tension is to be gradually built up over the next few days. “It’s about getting back to our level from previous matches. And when the opponent is definitely known, the nervousness should really set in,” believes Wälti. The Swiss will have certainty about their challengers on Thursday evening when Wales and Bosnia-Herzegovina meet.
“The morning after, the actual analysis of the opponent can begin, although of course we want to concentrate primarily on ourselves,” adds Sandrine Mauron.
Wälti and Co. are aware of the strange mode without the possibility of later correction. “It’s heading towards the cup final,” Wälti specifies, “the smallest details can make the difference.” For them, the approach has to be this: stand solid defensively and be bold going forward.
In the eyes of the experienced Arsenal force, the role of favorites belongs to the Swiss in both cases. Wales rates Wälti individually stronger, which is why she assumes this adversary is difficult. “I’m expecting a very competitive game because it’s never going to be easy against island teams.”
Will it be a sweet farewell for Nielsen?
For the outgoing coach Nils Nielsen, Tuesday is not just about an adapted cup final, but also about his farewell performance after a good three and a half years in office. But the Dane doesn’t waste a single thought on that. “It’s not about me, it’s about the team,” he explains.
But Niesen would love to be remembered in Switzerland as a pioneer for a new era. Because he knows that his team is good enough for next year’s World Cup in Oceania and his (still) employer is good enough to host the EM 2025, which will be awarded in about three months. For the 50-year-old, however, it is just as clear: “In order to be able to present itself well at a European Championship in your own country, the team still needs the experience of another final round by then.”