What a moment in Geneva! In stoppage time of the final group match against Finland, Riola Xhemaili scored to make it 1-1, sending the Swiss national team to the European Championship quarterfinals for the first time in history. The Stade de Genève went wild, and fans across Switzerland celebrated. Tomorrow, Friday, they face world champions Spain in Bern.
The group stage in review
The opener at a sold-out St. Jakob-Park was a bitter pill. Switzerland took the lead against Norway through Nadine Riesen, but ultimately lost a tight match 1-2. In the second game in Bern, the national team delivered a strong performance against Iceland, earning a well-deserved 2-0 victory. That meant their fate was in their own hands going into the final match against Finland.
The drama in Geneva
Against Finland, who were also fighting to advance, Switzerland fell behind in the closing stages. Time was running out, and nerves were fraying. But the team didn't give up. In the second minute of stoppage time, a low cross from Géraldine Reuteler found its way to Riola Xhemaili, who steered the ball directly into the net. A first-time finish, at the right moment, with the right technique. These are exactly the kinds of moments that decide tournaments.
Why the first-time finish made the difference
In the penalty area, during stoppage time, surrounded by defenders, there is no time to control the ball. Xhemaili only had one touch available, and she used it. You can't learn situations like this in a match. They are built in training, through hundreds of repetitions, until the movement becomes automatic. When the mind is overwhelmed with excitement, the body takes over.
Now Spain awaits
In the quarterfinals, Switzerland faces Spain, the reigning world champions and top favorites of the tournament. The Spaniards won their group convincingly with three victories and are considered the technically strongest team in Europe. For the national team, the match at Bern’s Wankdorf stadium is a huge challenge, but also an opportunity. With the home crowd behind them and nothing to lose, anything is possible.
A European Championship that moves people
Regardless of the outcome, this home European Championship has already achieved a great deal. The stadiums are full, TV ratings are high, and people everywhere are talking about women's football. Many girls who are now cheering on Lia Wälti, Géraldine Reuteler, or Riola Xhemaili will be signing up for a club in the coming months.
For clubs: Be prepared now
When many new players arrive after the tournament, you need good programs in place. Taster training sessions, girls' teams, and motivated coaches are in demand. Especially at the beginning, the focus should be on exercises that are fun and provide quick success. A volley competition with the VOLLEYCHAMP® is a simple way to inspire new players to score goals.
Try it yourself
If you want to head out into the garden after the game and recreate Xhemaili's strike: place the ball on a low elevation, approach it at a slight angle, and hit it low with the inside or the instep of your foot. Make sure to keep your upper body over the ball so the shot doesn't rise. Precision is more important than power here.
A team that believes in itself
It is remarkable how the team dealt with setbacks. After the narrow defeat in the opening game, the mood could have soured. Instead, the national team responded against Iceland and showed character against Finland until the very last second. This mentality is at least as important as any technique.
Tomorrow is the big day. Our thoughts are in Bern. Hopp Schwiiz!
