Sundhage: “Spain, the biggest challenge” in the Euro Cup quarter-finals

Sundhage Faces the Biggest Challenge of Her Career Against Spain

Switzerland’s coach, Pia Sundhage, has called the upcoming match against Spain in the Eurocup quarter-finals the biggest challenge of her career. The match will be played in Bern, in what promises to be an exciting encounter. Switzerland, currently ranked 23rd in the world, managed to secure their place in the quarter-finals thanks to a goal in stoppage time against Finland in their last group stage match. Spain, for its part, arrives as the favorite after a dominant group stage, where it scored 14 goals in its victories against Portugal, Belgium and Italy.

This is the biggest challenge, playing against the world champions, at home, in a quarter-final. This is the moment.

Pia Sundhage

Sundhage, who has previously coached teams such as the United States, Brazil, and Sweden, highlighted the importance of this match. “It’s a special moment and we must take advantage of it,” she added. To motivate her players, Sundhage has shown images of Switzerland’s 1-0 victory over Spain in the 2010 World Cup. The idea came from Johan Djourou, former Arsenal defender and now part of her technical team. Sundhage has also shared with her team the story of the Miracle of Bern, recalling the historic victory of West Germany over Hungary in the 1954 World Cup, a match that took place at the Wankdorf stadium, venue for Friday’s match.

The Swiss fans will also play a crucial role, as the support has exceeded expectations and has driven the team to achieve important goals in the group stage matches against Iceland and Finland. With an enthusiastic passion driving the team, it’s much more fun. Women’s soccer deserves it. It’s something really special. Sundhage highlighted the importance of support before and after the matches, and praised the work done by Switzerland in organizing the tournament. “You have to be there, that’s the best line,” she concluded.