Pia Sundhage (64) was also a professional player.Image: KEYSTONE
Seven wins against one draw and four defeats: Pia Sundhage’s record for her first year at the head of the Swiss team stands up perfectly. The reality of the figures, however, does not say everything that the Swede was able to bring to a selection which was coming out of a horrible 2023 despite its 8th final in the World Cup.
The soulless Inka Grinks team has given way to a rejuvenated selection that exudes the joy of playing and which should not be affected by the two defeats conceded in its last two matches of the year6-0 Friday in Zurich against Germany and 1-0 Tuesday in Sheffield against England. The absences of five major players – Lia Wälti, Luana Bühler, Géraldine Reuteler, Ramona Bachmann and also Naomi Luyet – really weighed on this last gathering.
“Pia Sundhage made us understand that all players are important, even those who are not on the field,” underlines Meriame Terchoun. She is very strong in communication, in the way of building social bonds within the team. Finally, on a tactical level, she knows how to deal admirably with our strengths and weaknesses.”
A barrier crossed
The Dijon player is a thousand times right to sing the praises of the Swede. The one who twice led the United States to the Olympic title has given a new identity to this Swiss team. The 2-1 victory against France in Geneva last October thanks to Naomi Luyet’s magnificent goal undoubtedly allowed the team to overcome a barrier; to believe that she will really be able to play the leading roles next July during “her” Euro at home.
Between now and the opening match on July 2 in Basel, Switzerland will play six matches in the Nations League against Iceland, Norway and… France.
“We want and we must compete with the best teams”
Nadine Riesen, Eintracht Frankfurt player.
On December 16 in Lausanne, Nadine Riesen and her teammates will know the fate that will be reserved for them at the Euro. If they have the assurance of not crossing the roads of Spain, Germany and France in the first round, the Swiss could very soon find themselves facing England, title holders, the Netherlands or Sweden. But with Pia Sundhage at their head, they feel capable of shaking up the hierarchy like never before. (sda/ats)
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