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After the 26:26 coup against France, the Swiss were relieved. And the joy back.
“If I were a few years younger and had a little more strength in my arm, it might even have gone in,” said Andy Schmid shortly after the final siren in Berlin. The 40-year-old had the opportunity to cause the big sensation against France seconds before the end. Schmid’s final shot didn’t find its way into the goal, but the draw still feels like a victory for Switzerland.
After Switzerland’s opening defeat against Germany, France went into the game more than ever as heavy favorites. However, the record world champion didn’t get into the game as expected and struggled defensively. The Swiss, on the other hand, showed a diametrically different face than they did against the Germans.
“We have always shown in the past that we can play handball. On Wednesday we weren’t fair to ourselves the way we played. That’s why it was extremely important to show a reaction today,” said Schmid. The Swiss have definitely managed to respond.
Portner defies pain in his foot
Nikola Portner also played his part in the success. “What we did today is unbelievable, it’s absurd,” said the Nati goalie, who plays for Magdeburg in the Bundesliga and was an outstanding support against France. Portner has been struggling with foot problems since the opening game against Germany and a misstep. “You actually need a break after something like that. But I don’t want that at all. It’s a dream for me to be here with the boys.”
After the nightmare start against Germany, coach Michael Suter’s team has bounced back impressively. “We tried to use the three or four days. We had another event with the team at the embassy with dinner, we tried to raise morale a little,” said Suter.
And in the end, they simply hoped that the French would underestimate Switzerland a little. It is quite possible that this was the case to some extent. But that should in no way diminish Switzerland’s performance.