Team Overview: Switzerland

Switzerland are hosting the UEFA WEURO this year and this tournament is currently hitting the expectations made. It was expected to bring economic and social benefits to the country. This tournament was predicted to generate 193 million Swiss francs, which is equivalent to £176 million. This will help the economy due to increased tourism and spending. Hosting the womens euros will also boost the visibility and popularity of womens football in Switzerland. This could lead to an increase of girls and women participating and investing in sports.

📸via UEFA

Switzerland womens team made their debut in 1972. However, they did not enter their first major tournament until 2015. The major tournaments that they have been in are: 2015 world cup, 2017 Euros, 2022 Euros and the 2023 world cup. 

Switzerland automatically qualified for the 2025 Euros, as they are this years hosts. Although they automatically qualified, they still participated in the qualifying competition. This is because it is linked to the Womens Nations League, where teams are divided into leagues with promotion/relegation between each cycle. 

The Swiss squad suddenly changed on the 30th June, right before the euros started, as Luana Bühler had to withdraw from the squad due to an injury. Their current squad is as follows:

• 3 Goalkeepers: Elvira Herzog, Livia Peng and Nadine Böhi 

• 6 Defenders: Julia Stierli, Noelle Maritz, Nadine Riesen, Laia Ballesté, Iman Beney and Viola Calligaris 

• 7 Midfielders: Noemi Ivelj, Alisha Lehmann, Coumba Sow, Géraldine Reuteler, Sandrine Mauron, Smilla Vallotto and Lia Wälti (Captain)

• 7 Forwards: Alayah Pilgrim, Ana-Maria Crnogorčević, Leila Wandeler, Meriame Terchoun, Riola Xhemaili, Svenja Fölmli and Sydney Schertenleib

  
  

Although Switzerland only have six defenders, they are known for their strong defensive line, as they have key players such as Noelle Maritz.

Switzerlands rank is extremely high for possession, passes per match and accurate passes per match. However, they are incredibly low for goals per 90. Defensively, they are not one to pass extremely high, which comes with the consequences of having a lot of recoveries in deeper zones. 

Switzerland have qualified for the quarter-finals of the euros for the first time ever, making history for their country. However, they were very nearly out during group stages. Their qualifying match was against Finland, in which the Swiss really stood out. With the final 5 minutes remaining and Switzerland in danger of being eliminated from the tournament, the ball flew to the back post where substitute Xhemaili kicked her country to the quarter finals, creating history. Swiss players fought and found that Xhemaili’s goal was all that they needed. After this match, Finland was eliminated.