Women’s World Cup: Preview: Switzerland vs. Spain
On Saturday, the knockout rounds of the Women’s World Cup 2023 will kick off with an-all European tie between Switzerland Women and Spain Women
Switzerland finished top of Group A with seven points to their name, while Spain finished runners-up in Group C behind Japan.
After reaching the last 16 in their only previous Women’s World Cup appearance in 2015, Switzerland have managed to repeat the feat this time around thanks to a disciplined and well-structured side.
Switzerland began their campaign with a 2-0 win over the Philippines, before frustrating Norway on Matchday Two to take a crucial point from a goalless affair.
They were involved in another 0-0 draw against New Zealand on Monday, with the result securing their passage to the last 16 and resulting in an early exit for the tournament co-hosts.
La Nati have now drawn seven of their last nine internationals (W1, L1), proving that they are a tough team to beat even if victories are hard to come by.
Switzerland are one of three teams yet to concede a goal in the tournament, and they will be looking to produce another strong defensive performance on Saturday as they attempt to reach a quarter-final at a major tournament for the first time in their history.
Spain began the tournament in impressive fashion after claiming a 3-0 win over Costa Rica in their tournament opener, before cruising to a 5-0 win against Zambia on Matchday Two.
With a place in the last 16 wrapped up with a game to spare, Spain set their sights on securing top spot when they travelled to Wellington for Monday’s meeting with Japan.
Despite experiencing the majority of possession, it proved to be a forgettable evening for La Roja, as Japan launched clinical counter-attacks to race into a three-goal lead before the break.
Japan added a fourth in the second period to condemn Jorge Vilda’s side to a heavy 4-0 defeat, ensuring that Spain had to settle in second place in Group C.
After suffering a group-stage elimination in 2015 and a last-16 exit in 2019, Spain will be looking to reach the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
Switzerland Women Women’s World Cup form:
WDD
Spain Women Women’s World Cup form:
WWL
Team News
Switzerland boss Inka Grings could opt for consistency and name an unchanged lineup for Saturday’s last-16 tie.
Noelle Maritz will operate in central defence alongside Julia Stierli, while Eseosa Aigbogun and Nadine Riesen will feature as the two full-backs.
Barcelona forward Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic will be hoping to score her first goal of the tournament when she features in a front three with Seraina Piubel and Ramona Bachmann.
As for Spain, they will be hoping that Ivana Andres is passed fit for Saturday’s contest after missing the defeat to Japan through injury.
Alexia Putellas started the final two group games, and the 29-year-old is expected to retain her place in midfield alongside Teresa Abelleira and Aitana Bonmati.
Experienced forward Jenni Hermoso is set to lead the line, with Barcelona’s Salma Paralluelo and Mariona Caldentey operating out wide.
Switzerland Women possible starting lineup:
Thalmann; Aigbogun, Maritz, Stierli, Riesen; Sow, Walti, Reuteler; Piubel, Bachmann, Crnogorcevic
Spain Women possible starting lineup:
Misa; Batlle, Paredes, Ivana, Carmona; Bonmati, Abelleira, Putellas; Paralluelo, Caldentey, Hermoso
Prediction
Switzerland Women 0-1 Spain Women
