The 51st edition of the Yellow Cup was supposed to “give us confidence for the World Cup”, as national coach Andy Schmid put it ahead of the four-nation tournament. After the victory against the Netherlands in front of a large audience in Winterthur, this objective was achieved. The three days were nevertheless overshadowed by Manuel Zehnder’s serious knee injury, which occurred on the first day against Italy.
After winning the tournament three consecutive times, Switzerland had to cede first place to the Dutch. Because in the final ranking, an unusual constellation emerges: both Switzerland, the Netherlands and Italy have four points, and in the direct confrontations, each team both won and lost a match. It is therefore the goal difference during direct confrontations which determines the final ranking of the three nations – this is how the Netherlands overtakes Switzerland and Italy.
Second phase of preparation
From Tuesday, the preparation course for the world championship continues in central Switzerland. In Stans, the national team will train for the next six days and will notably play an (unofficial) test match against BSV Bern. Entrance to this match is free.
On Monday January 13, the Nati will travel to Silkeborg via Frankfurt and Billund for its final phase of preparation. Thirty minutes from Herning, she will put the final finishing touches on her form and then play the three matches in the preliminary round of the World Cup:
- Wednesday, January 15, 6 p.m.: Czech Republic – Switzerland
- Friday, January 17, 8:30 p.m.: Switzerland – Germany
- Sunday, January 19, 3:30 p.m.: Poland – Switzerland
If Switzerland manages to place in ranks 1 to 3, they will stay in Herning to play three more matches in the main round. As fourth in the preliminary group, she would go to Porec (Croatia) to compete in the President’s Cup (ranks 25-32 in the World Cup).
Swiss
