Spain 2-0 Switzerland

By Gethin Thurlow (18/07/2025)

Above: Spain celebrate their win. Photo: SEFutbolFem on X.

The fairytale comes to an end for the hosts of the WEURO2025, Switzerland. World champions Spain proved too strong in the end, despite a strong defensive showing from the hosts that held for over 60 minutes. The Swiss can take comfort in reaching a first ever major tournament knockout round, and a huge showing of local support.

This Matterhorn-sized Mountain that Switzerland would have to climb looked like it would be over before it even begun as Nadine Riesen fouled Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey, missing the ball and conceding an early penalty. However, the ever-reliable Caldentey smashed the ball wide, bringing the in-game missed penalty count this tournament to three (50%) excluding penalty shootouts. There is clearly something in the Swiss air.

The hosts responded well to this let off, and after perhaps the initial nerves had settled, took on an attitude of ‘we are not going down without a fight’. The Swiss had some good link up play between Sydney Schertenleib and Iman Beney – who was allowed an exclusively attacking role for the first time this summer – which tested the Spanish defence.

Following this bright spark for the hosts, it was time for Switzerland’s defence to show, and they really did. While the Spanish midfield did its thing – forcing the game to be played in the last 25 yards of the pitch; Switzerland held firm, stayed disciplined and held structure, which limited any clear cut chances for the World Champions. Despite all that possession, Spain could hardly argue with the 0-0 scoreline at half time.

Evidently satisfied that it was only a matter of time for Spain, head coach Montse Tome opted against making any changes at half time, with an almost overwhelming array of game changing talent sitting on the bench. For Switzerland, it was a case of sticking to the gameplan, one which had been successfully crafted by football legend Pia Sundhage in the Swiss dugout. Part of this was a first start for veteran Ana Maria Crnogorcevic, who brought bags of experience, as well as some expertise against these specific players given her years at Barcelona.

As the clock started to move, the serial winners of Spain stayed relatively composed, avoiding desperation for the most part. There was a contentious moment for the referee as Laia Aleixandri arguably should have received a second yellow card (and then a third!), and on the ball Spain’s decision-making showed their nerves.

Leila Ouhabi was brought on to offer Spain more of a wide crossing threat with her brilliant left foot. In a game that ultimately needed that special moment, something that only few could produce to break down this defence, Aitana Bonmati stepped up and delivered it. Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, with three defenders tight to her and with her back to goal, the reigning Ballon D’or winner slid a delightful backheel pass through the defence, perfectly meeting the run of Athenea Del Castillo, who shot the ball home.

The introduction of Aliyah Pilgrim had briefly given Switzerland a new dimension in attack, stretching the field with her runs in behind, but the game ended as a contest merely moments later. Claudia Pina picked up the ball on her right foot, about 25 yards out with minimal pressure. As they say: “the rest was history”.

Above: Cl;audia Pina celebrates her goal. Photo: SEFutbolFem on X.

For Switzerland, there was one more moment to enjoy it what has been a magical tournament for them. Lyvia Peng, who has been exceptional across the four games dived beautifully to stop Alexia Putellas’ late penalty giving those passionate fans ones more thing to celebrate.

Above: WEURO2025 Fan walk. Photo: Swiss FA.

Spain will face the winner of France v Germany in the semi-finals in Zurich on Wednesday 23rd July, kicking off at 8pm BST

TEAMS: SPAIN (4-3-3): Coll, Battle, Paredes (c), Aleixandri, Carmona, Aitana, Patri, Alexia, Caldentey, Gonzalez, Pina. Substitutes: Ouhabi (for Carmona 62’), Del Castillo (for Caldentey 62’), Lopez (for Pina 78’), Paralluelo (for Gonzalez 78’), Fernández, García, Martín-Prieto, Méndez, Nanclares, Redondo, Sullastres, Zubieta

Scorers: Del Castillo 66’, Pina 71’

SWITZERLAND (4-4-2): Peng, Crnogorcevic, Callagiris, Maritz, Riesen, Walti (c), Reuteler, Ivelj, Vallotto, Beney, Schertenleib. Substitutes: Pilgrim (for Ivelj 62’), Wandeler (for Riesen 78’) Terchoun (for Vallotto 90’) Xhemali (for Schertenleib 90’) Lehmann (for Beney 90’), Ballesté,  Böhi,  Fölmli,  Herzog, Mauron, Sow, Stierli.

Attendance: 29,734

Referee: Maria Ferrieri Caputi (Italy)

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