Spain’s Euro Semifinal: Mission Incomplete

Spain Overcomes Switzerland to Reach Women’s European Championship Semifinals

For more details, check out Laine breaks tie in 3rd, Canadiens defeat Red Wings

Spain’s women’s national team has achieved a historic milestone, advancing to the semifinals of the European Championships for the first time ever after a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Switzerland. The match, played at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern, saw Spain overcome a resilient Swiss side backed by passionate home support.

“You have to value these moments,” said midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, emphasizing the significance of the achievement. “Sometimes it seems we’re obliged to win every game 6-0. We stayed calm today, were confident and patient. We are in the last four and we have made history for the country by getting there.”

The match was far from straightforward for the current world champions. Mariona Caldentey missed an early penalty, and the Spanish team struck the woodwork three times, keeping the Swiss hopes alive for much of the game.

A Tense Encounter

For over an hour, the possibility of an upset loomed large, fueled by the unwavering support of the Swiss fans. However, two goals in quick succession from substitute Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Pina shattered the home team’s dreams. Del Castillo’s goal came after a brilliant backheel pass from Bonmatí, while Pina’s strike sealed the victory.

Adding to the drama, Alexia Putellas missed a late penalty, highlighting areas where Spain needs to improve as they head into the semifinals. Their next challenge will be against either France or Germany in Zurich.

Penalty Woes

The penalty misses were part of a larger trend in the tournament. So far, 12 of 17 penalties have been missed in the three quarterfinal matches, including a miss by Ada Hegerberg for Norway against Italy and nine missed in the shootout between England and Sweden. This highlights a potential area of concern for all teams vying for the title.

Early Miss Fuels Swiss Spirit

Caldentey’s penalty miss early in the eighth minute was met with a roar of celebration from the 29,734-strong crowd, injecting energy and belief into the Swiss team. Géraldine Reuteler and captain Lia Wätli worked tirelessly in midfield, disrupting Spain’s attacks and intercepting passes. Goalkeeper Livia Peng made several crucial saves, while Irene Paredes and Patri Guijarro both hit the woodwork for Spain, further adding to the tension.

Substitutes Make the Difference

Spain’s coach, Montse Tomé, turned to her bench, and the substitutions proved to be decisive. Del Castillo’s impact was immediate, as she raced into the box to score the opening goal in the 66th minute. Pina then extended the lead just five minutes later with a well-executed strike.

Pina’s Dedication Pays Off

Pina’s goal was a testament to her dedication and hard work. She had spoken recently about spending hours practicing her shooting on her terrace at home, using a bib as a makeshift goal. “Dad tells me I would just shoot, shoot and shoot all day,” she said. Her coach praised her ability to cut inside from the left and curl the ball into the top corner, a move she has perfected over time.

Late Drama

Late in the game, Del Castillo won another penalty, but Putellas failed to convert. Switzerland’s Noelle Maritz was sent off in stoppage time, marking the end of their campaign.

Switzerland’s “Miracle” Fails to Materialize

Prior to the game, Switzerland’s coach, Pia Sundhage, had shared stories with her players of past upsets, including Switzerland’s men’s team beating Spain at the 2010 World Cup and the “Miracle of Bern,” the 1954 World Cup final where West Germany defeated Hungary. However, this time, history would not repeat itself.

A Turning Point for Swiss Women’s Football

Despite the loss, the tournament has had a significant impact on women’s football in Switzerland. The support from the fans was remarkable, with around 20,000 fans marching to the stadium from the city center. Even after the game, the majority of fans remained in the stadium, displaying a banner that read “Time to move mountains.”

“I am disappointed that I have to go back home,” Sundhage said. “The atmosphere in the locker room and the first half tells me this is a good team. But Spain are world champions. We tried. That is the most important thing.”

She added, “I am also very proud of Switzerland. If you look at the people coming to the games, it’s been phenomenal. It’s been a once in a lifetime feeling, very emotional. And they didn’t leave! They stayed. That shows me there are people in Switzerland who think that women’s football is important and I am very grateful for that.”

Sundhage believes that this tournament marks a turning point for women’s football in Switzerland, fostering a more positive attitude towards the sport.

Spain’s Journey Continues

Spain’s victory marks a significant achievement as they venture into uncharted territory in the European Championships. However, with the semifinal match looming, there is little time to celebrate as they prepare to write the next chapter of their history.