Stunning Showdown at Women's World Cup: Switzerland Triumphs 2-0 Against Philippines, Thanks to Bachmann and Piubel
Switzerland triumphed in their opening Women's World Cup match, defeating the Philippines 2-0 Ramona Bachmann's penalty and Seraina Piubel's close-range goal secured a strong start for the Swiss team at Dunedin Stadium
Switzerland got off to a successful start in their Women's World Cup journey with a 2-0 win against the Philippines at Dunedin Stadium. Ramona Bachmann scored from a penalty in the first half and Seraina Piubel added another goal from close range. The penalty was awarded after midfielder Coumba Sow was tripped by Jessika Cowart, confirmed by VAR, and Bachmann calmly placed the ball past goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
"I wasn't that nervous, but I knew it was an important moment," Bachmann said afterwards.
Image:
Seraina Piubel scored Switzerland's second goal
I understood the importance of our team reaching half-time with a 1-0 lead, so my focus was unwavering. While I made conscious efforts to score, I felt confident in my ability to take penalty shots. As a result, I remained calm and composed during the match.
Under the guidance of former Matildas manager Alen Stajcic, the Philippines achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first team from their country, regardless of gender, to qualify for the finals of a global football tournament.
They were denied an early opener when midfielder Katrina Guillou's strike was ruled out for offside. Switzerland's leading goalscorer and most-capped player, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic, fired over from close range before Bachmann's penalty gave them the lead.
Switzerland asserted their dominance in the second half and rightfully extended their lead when midfielder Piubel hammered the ball into the net in the 64th minute, following McDaniel's earlier denial of Crnogorcevic and Sow. Stajcic, discussing the penalty, mentioned that VAR decisions are expected to rectify clear and noticeable mistakes but admitted to not having seen the replay.
There is no denying that they are the superior team, as they rightfully should be. The spirit displayed by our team was truly commendable. It demonstrates our ability to compete.
It is truly remarkable to have reached this level and compete against European players, particularly against such a formidable team.
There were numerous vacant seats in the stadium, which has a capacity of 30,000, on Friday. This was despite FIFA distributing 20,000 complimentary tickets for matches in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Dunedin in response to concerns about sluggish ticket sales in New Zealand.
Switzerland currently leads Group A, edging ahead of co-hosts New Zealand based on goal difference. Furthermore, New Zealand caused an upset by defeating Norway 1-0 on Thursday.
What is the schedule?
The group stage is currently underway and will continue for a duration of two weeks, concluding on August 3. Once the group stage concludes, the top teams from each group, including the winners and runners-up, will progress to the round of 16. This exciting stage of the tournament will take place from August 5 to August 8.Following the round of 16, the quarter-finals will be held in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney. These highly anticipated matches are scheduled to take place on August 11 and 12.
The first semi-final is scheduled for August 15 in Auckland. The second semi-final will take place on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney, which will also host the final on August 20. Prior to the final, a third-place play-off will be held on August 19 in Brisbane.
