Switzerland Women's Team Draws Inspiration from Historic 2010 World Cup Victory Ahead of Euro 2025 Quarter-Final Against Spain

Switzerland Women's Team Draws Inspiration from Historic 2010 World Cup Victory Ahead of Euro 2025 Quarter-Final Against Spain

Pia Sundhage, the head coach of Switzerland's women's football team, has been using footage of the men's team's historic 1-0 victory over Spain at the 2010 World Cup to inspire her squad as they prepare for their Euro 2025 quarter-final clash against the same opponents.

Historic Inspiration

The Swiss women's team, currently ranked 23rd in the world, secured their place in the quarter-finals with a dramatic stoppage-time goal against Finland in their final group-stage match. Meanwhile, Spain, the reigning world champions and top-ranked team in the tournament, have been in formidable form, sweeping past Portugal, Belgium, and Italy to top Group B.

Sundhage, who has previously managed the United States, Sweden, and Brazil, described the upcoming match against Spain as the "biggest ever" challenge of her managerial career. However, she remains optimistic, drawing parallels to the men's team's unexpected victory in 2010, when Gelson Fernandes scored the decisive goal in the 52nd minute.

Team Unity and Belief

The idea to revisit the 2010 victory came from Johan Djourou, a former Arsenal and Switzerland defender who is now part of Sundhage's coaching staff. "We tried to share stories, that is what life is all about," Sundhage explained. "That was an idea from Johan. He was talking about it in an emotional way. We showed videos and some stories that we would like to happen again. Bringing stories brings us together and brings energy, it gives us the mindset that it is possible."

Swiss defender Noelle Maritz shared her excitement, saying that watching the footage gave her "goosebumps." "This is football and we have to score one more goal than the opponent and believe in ourselves. We hope we are able to win against Spain like the men's team did," Maritz added.

The Challenge Ahead

Spain, ranked second in the world and the 2023 World Cup champions, have a history of underperforming in the Euros, having exited at the quarter-final stage in each of the past three tournaments. However, their manager, Montse Tome, believes this is an opportunity for her team to "write history."

"I think it's a beautiful challenge for the Spanish team, for the staff, for the players," Tome said. "It is a challenge, it is big to have the possibility to get to the semi-finals and write history. These players, this team, will make history [if they win]. This creates an energy and that's the energy we show on the pitch."

The Last Stand for the Hosts

With Spain's impressive form and Switzerland's underdog status, the quarter-final is seen as a significant challenge for the hosts. Spain are clear favorites, having scored 14 goals in the group stage, and are expected to dominate the match. However, Switzerland's historic journey to the knockout stages has already been a success, with record digital viewing figures and attendances at games.

As the match approaches, the Swiss team is determined to make their mark, hoping to channel the same spirit that led to their men's team's historic victory over Spain in 2010. Whether they can pull off another upset remains to be seen, but the stage is set for an exciting and memorable encounter.

Key Stats

Since a 4-3 win over Spain in a Euro qualifier in June 2012, Switzerland have lost each of their past four matches against them by an aggregate score of 19-2.
The host nation hasn't been eliminated from the Euros at the quarter-final stage since Finland lost to England in 2009.
Geraldine Reuteler is the Switzerland player who has created the most chances (seven), taken the most shots (nine), and recorded the most carries (36), as well as being the only Swiss player to both score (one) and assist (one) at the tournament.

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