The Extraordinary Odyssey of Alisha Lehmann: From Countryside Village to the Women's World Cup
Switzerland's rising star, Alisha Lehmann, opens up about her remarkable journey from a tranquil countryside village to the prestigious Women's World Cup stage Join her as she discusses her predictions for the tournament and explores the thrilling schedule that awaits Don't miss out on this captivating interview!
Alisha Lehmann reminisces about her humble beginnings in a picturesque Swiss countryside village, where horses and dogs were an integral part of her family's life. The allure of social media, extravagant sponsorship deals, and a luxurious lifestyle were far from her reality back then.
We spent the entire day playing street football. Whenever a car approached, we would yell out, "Car! Get out of the way!" It was a common occurrence back then, but things have changed a bit now.
This memory always reminds me to stay humble. The fact that I can still reflect on that simple moment is significant. Although I currently reside in a bustling metropolis, I will never let go of those roots.
Lehmann, hailing from a humble Swiss municipality, has found herself on the grandest stage of them all. As a member of Switzerland's 23-player squad for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, her reputation has reached new heights. However, the memories of those little kickabouts in her hometown remain dear to her heart.
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Alisha Lehmann is poised to represent Switzerland at the upcoming World Cup. "When you represent your country, you always remember your roots," she expresses. "Wearing your country's emblem on your shirt holds significant meaning."
I'm really excited to participate in this World Cup. It has been a lifelong dream of mine because it holds the utmost significance during childhood. As a kid, you envision the grandeur of the World Cup and aspire to play in it.
This is the ultimate dream for any footballer. It is absolutely incredible, and I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to be on the field and commence the tournament.
In the women's World Cup, Switzerland could also be considered as unexpected contenders in tournament football. "I anticipate so. Our team possesses numerous budding talents, alongside renowned players as well."
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Arsenal's Lia Walti is Switzerland's captain and creative fulcrum
That is correct. In addition to Lehmann, fans of the WSL will also recognize Lia Walti from Arsenal and Ramona Bachmann, a former Chelsea attacker who now plays for PSG, among the Swiss players. Another talented player that can be a threat to defences is Barcelona's Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic. "Let's see," Lehmann says about the overall chances of her team. "In a tournament, anything can happen."
"You witnessed numerous surprising performances during the men's World Cup. It goes without saying that we will wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves to the cause and strive to bring pride to our nation. The upcoming Women's World Cup is expected to attract a massive audience, making it the biggest one in history."
The current time witnesses a surge in the popularity of women's football in most participating countries of the tournament. Despite facing online abuse and misogyny, Lehmann has effectively utilized her 20 million-strong social media following across various platforms to promote the game. She acknowledges that this World Cup holds utmost significance, considering the unprecedented influence of social media and the significant advancements in women's football.
"Now we get accepted. We will get support, people will watch it and it's a big, big campaign."
Lehmann's native country is one of the few places where women's football has not yet reached its peak. However, this is expected to change soon, as the 24-year-old is playing a central role in a new push for the growth of the sport at the national level.
Switzerland has been selected to host the European Championships in 2025, marking the first time this prestigious event will be held there. Lehmann has personally witnessed the positive impact of hosting a tournament in England, and she is hopeful that a similar transformation can take place in her homeland.
Lehmann expressed disbelief and described the exhilarating feeling of Switzerland being selected as the hosts for the Euros. He acknowledges that not many players have the opportunity to have a tournament held in their own country. Lehmann takes pride in the chance to showcase Switzerland and its football to the world.
"Football here in England is quite different, where the sport holds minimal importance to people. This situation is the best outcome we could hope for, especially considering the approaching World Cup campaign."
Lehmann expresses, "My mother telling me 'I'm proud of you' brings me immense happiness. Those words hold great significance to me.
Having gone to England to play football and live my dream, my ultimate goal is to make my parents proud. I devote myself entirely to ensuring their happiness."
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Alisha Lehmann's Women's World Cup predictions!
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Women's World Cup predictions from some of the game's biggest names...
Overall winners: England.
"They are an amazing team and they showed at the Euros that they can win a tournament."
Runners-up: USA.
"They are always a strong team, they won World Cups before."
Surprise package: Switzerland.
"We have a lot of potential and we can even be better."
Top goalscorer: Rachel Daly.
"She scored so many goals this season, she broke the WSL record here."
Player of the tournament: Lauren James.
"She's a young player, big talent and for me she's the best player in the world."
Stay up to watch the games or catch up in the morning? Stay up!
"It's a bit boring to watch it after you know the score. So change your time schedule!"
What is the World Cup schedule?
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The FIFA Women's World Cup is in Australia and New Zealand
The group stage is set to commence on July 20th and extend for a duration of two weeks, concluding on August 3rd. During this phase, the top teams from each group will advance to the round of 16, scheduled from August 5th to August 8th.
Following that, the quarter-finals will take place on August 11th and 12th in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney.
The first semi-final will be held in Auckland on August 15, followed by the second semi-final on August 16 at Accor Stadium in Sydney. The final will be held at Accor Stadium on August 20. A third-place play-off is scheduled for August 19 in Brisbane, a day prior to the final.
