Commencing the knockout rounds of the Women’s World Cup this morning is an intriguing collision between Group A winners, Switzerland and Group C runners-up, Spain in Auckland (6am KO).
Solidity was the Swiss’ big weapon throughout Group A as they took stalemates from games against Norway and New Zealand before getting the three points they needed in their final match, a calm 2-0 win over the Philippines.
On target were forward, Romana Bachman, from the penalty spot and midfielder, Seraina Piubel whose sixty-fifth minute strike sealed progression as group winners, Switzerland topping the group by one point with Norway’s superior goal difference eliminating co-hosts New Zealand.
As for their counterparts today, Spain, despite external issues surrounding the federation, manager Jorge Vilda and an exodus of international players last summer, started strongly.
They registered two commanding opening wins racking up a total of eight goals in a 3-0 win over Costa Rica and a 5-0 victory against Zambia.
In their quest to top the group though, they fell badly short as Japan doled out an unwelcome scoreline to the Spanish, who lost 4-0, but comfortably qualified in second place.
Offensively however, the Spanish far eclipse their Swiss opposition so far with five different scorers so far at the tournament, Alba Redondo, off the bench, and Jennifer Hermoso both bagging braces against Zambia, if their attack clicks, it will give Switzerland’s defence its most thorough examination yet.
Midfielder Alexia Putellas is another ace up the Spanish sleeve since returning from a long-term ACL injury, she started the latter two group games, and it will be interesting to see whether Vilda puts her in again from the get-go or tries to save her influence for later.
Which, of course, could go a lot later than usual with extra time and penalties required if the sides cannot be separated over ninety minutes at Eden Park.
Knockout football means that for both teams, either Switzerland’s superb defensive shape or Spain’s lust for goals will have to make way with a place in the quarterfinal the prize awaiting our winners here.
