Spain stands on the road to Switzerland Friday in Bern, in the quarterfinals of the Euro. La Roja addresses this match as an archifavorite, but it remains relatively cautious.
The three victories of world champions in the group phase have however set the tone. By beating Portugal (5-0), Belgium (6-2) and Italy (3-1), the Spaniards have perfectly launched their mission on Swiss soil: to win a first European title, two years after their coronation at the World Cup, in New Zealand.
They did it with the way, leaving no crumbs to their opponents of group B. Barely doubted they doubted when Italy opened the scoring in the third match, equalizing four minutes later before adding two goals to ensure the group’s first place.
Break a glass ceiling
A quick look at statistics is enough to understand the mastery of the players of Montse Tomé since their arrival in Switzerland. An average of 70% ball possession, between 20 and 30 shots per game, 14 goals scored: we are far from sterile domination sometimes associated with Iberian football.
This flamboyant first round strengthened their status as a favorite in the final victory. However, a status that the players themselves do not want to assume. “Honestly, when we are told that we are favorite, we do not think about it,” assured attacker Claudia Pina at a press conference Tuesday in Lausanne, the Roja base camp. “France has also impressed, England is holding the title, I think there are still excellent teams in the running,” said the teammate of Sydney Schertenleib at FC Barcelona.
After a rest weekend that saw some players go on an escapade on the heights of Montreux, at the Rochers-de-Naye, La Roja gave herself to work in Vidy, on the lawn of the Juan-Antonio-Samaranch stadium. The objective is clear: to prepare for best to break the dream of Switzerland on Friday and reach the last square after three successive eliminations in the quarterfinals of the Euro.
A “very solid” Swiss environment
The world champions do not lightly take the selection of Pia Sundhagus. The Spanish coach Montse Tomé was not mistaken after the victory against Italy, noting that the arrival of the Swedish experience had changed the face of the Swiss team, a team that has little to do with the one who had collected three heavy defeats in three months in 2023 (5-1, 5-0, 7-1).
“We have observed them well and I must say that I really like their midfielder. I find it very solid with three players (Red: Reutele, Wälti, Vallotto) who complement each other very well,” noted Claudia Pina, questioned about the main forces of the Swiss.
The day before, her teammate Jana Fernandez also recalled the difficulty of evolving in a stadium acquired at the cause of Switzerland. “The public will help them emotionally. They will support them in difficult times and push them when it is our turn to suffer. But we are very motivated at the idea of taking up this challenge,” said the back of Barça.
The disappointment of the Olympics
The Spaniards, who also train in penalty shootout as we approach the direct elimination phase, are well aware that an elimination in front of the host country would be perceived as an immense failure in the country. The disappointment of the 2024 Olympic Games, curled without a medal, is still in the heads.
“Now it’s life or death in every game,” said Jana Fernandez. “But if we play our best level, very few opponents can stand up to us.”
To continue their stay in Switzerland, La Roja will of course be able to count on its two stars in the middle of the field: Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, who have won two the last four Ballon d’Or. Putellas has already scored three goals and Bonmati is gaining momentum over the matches after the viral meningitis which disturbed its preparation.
This article was published automatically. Source: ATS
