The enthusiasm affecting the national team continues. Eight months before the Euro in Switzerland (July 2-27, 2025), the record number of spectators for a women’s football match on Swiss soil should be broken this Friday. 24 hours before kick-off, more than 16,000 tickets had been sold for the friendly match between the Nati and Germany, at Letzigrund (8 p.m.).
It remains to be seen if the winter temperatures will not discourage the public from coming to beat the mark of 14,370 spectators achieved on October 25, already in Zurich, during the duel against Australia (1-1). A growing popular success which was confirmed four days later at the Stade de Genève, during the 2-1 victory against France in front of 10,800 people.
For this last gathering of the year, Pia Sundhage’s troop will also have to confirm on the field the beautiful face presented during the last two matches. But, facing the Germans and then the English next Tuesday in Sheffield, both finalists of the last Euro, nothing will be easy. Especially since the coach has recorded numerous withdrawals over the last ten days. “Having to make so many late changes in a team, I had never experienced that before,” concedes the 64-year-old coach.
Pia Sundhage must indeed deal with the absence of four players who started in October: captain Lia Wälti, central defender Luana Bühler, midfielder Geraldine Reuteler and Valais nugget Naomi Luyet. Additionally, Ramona Bachmann came down with the flu this week and missed practice before the game. His presence against Germany is therefore uncertain. If the future mother were to give up, the Nati would thus be deprived of the three elements which had scored against Australia and France. A hell of a tile.
Despite these packages, the Swiss team will do everything to continue its good momentum. “We learned that we could beat all the teams if we were focused and played the way we know how,” notes Iman Beney. Before adding: “We prepared well, we studied the opponent well and we will approach this duel without pressure.” It will be necessary to avoid a new debacle against the Germans. The last time the two teams faced each other, on June 24, 2022, the Swiss lost 7-0.
Before this gathering, Pia Sundhage had wanted the team to gain flexibility. By force of circumstances, she will have to adapt, perhaps more than expected. Other footballers will have to take more responsibility, which can only help the group grow. “No matter who is on the pitch, we must be a compact and solid team,” rejoices the coach. This will show us how important the collective is. We represent Switzerland and we will try to get the best out of everyone.”
Mascot presented to the public
While Maddli, the mascot of the Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland, was unveiled to the general public this Friday morning in Geneva, the friendly character resembling Saint-Bernard will be presented to supporters on Friday evening at the Letzigrund.
