The Swiss women's national team faced a disappointing defeat against France on Friday evening, April 4, 2025, in St. Gallen, losing 0-2 in their latest Women’s Nations League match. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as 11,011 fans filled the Kybunpark, hoping to see the Swiss team bounce back after a string of lackluster performances. Unfortunately, the hopes were dashed as the team struggled to find their rhythm against a well-organized French side.
In a match that saw the Swiss team aim to build on their previous victory against Luxembourg, the early signs were not promising. Just 15 minutes into the game, France struck first. Sandy Baltimore capitalized on a defensive lapse, receiving a pass from Delphine Cascarino, who expertly maneuvered past two defenders before delivering the assist. Baltimore found herself unmarked and easily slotted the ball into the net, giving France a 1-0 lead.
The Swiss team, under the guidance of coach Pia Sundhage, had hoped to replicate their success from the last encounter with France, where they secured a 2-1 victory in October of the previous year. However, the current matchup was a stark contrast, with the Swiss side appearing disjointed and vulnerable in defense. Julia Stierli and her fellow defenders struggled to contain the French attack, which was relentless throughout the first half.
In the 43rd minute, the situation worsened for the Swiss team as Selma Bacha scored a stunning goal from approximately 30 meters out. Following a poorly executed free-kick routine, Bacha unleashed a powerful shot that sailed past goalkeeper Elvira Herzog, who failed to secure the ball as it hit the underside of the crossbar before bouncing into the net. This goal not only solidified France's lead but also left the Swiss team reeling as they headed into halftime down 0-2.
Despite being two goals down, the Swiss team showed glimpses of potential. Noemi Ivelj, the standout player for Switzerland, had a golden opportunity to score in the 14th minute but narrowly missed the target. Her performance, however, was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise lackluster display from the team. Ivelj's efforts were commendable, as she continued to push forward and create chances, but her teammates struggled to match her intensity.
As the second half commenced, Sundhage made strategic changes to bolster the defense, bringing on experienced players Ramona Bachmann and Ana-Maria Crnogorčević. These substitutions injected some much-needed energy into the Swiss lineup, and for a brief period, the team appeared more cohesive. However, the French side maintained control, expertly managing the game and limiting the Swiss offense.
In the 60th minute, Switzerland attempted to mount a comeback, with Ivelj and Alayah Pilgrim creating opportunities. Yet, their efforts were thwarted by the formidable French defense, which remained resolute. The Swiss team struggled to maintain possession, often losing the ball quickly and failing to capitalize on their few chances.
Julia Stierli reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “If you lose and concede two goals, you can’t be satisfied. We made too many mistakes and lost the ball too quickly. We need to be calmer on the ball.” Her sentiments echoed the frustrations felt by the players and fans alike, as the Swiss team failed to convert their possession into meaningful scoring opportunities.
With the match winding down, France seemed content to protect their lead, effectively stifling any Swiss attempts to penetrate their defense. The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for France, leaving the Swiss team still searching for their first win of 2025. Their record now stands at one point from three matches in the Nations League, with their only points coming from a draw against Iceland.
The defeat places the Swiss team in a precarious position as they prepare for their next match against Iceland on April 8, 2025. The upcoming game is crucial, as another loss could severely jeopardize their chances of avoiding relegation from the Nations League. Sundhage and her squad will need to regroup and address their defensive frailties if they hope to secure a vital win in Reykjavík.
After the match, Meriame Terchoun shared her thoughts, acknowledging the challenges faced by the team: “We tried to improve many things, but we lacked in the offensive. France played a great game, and we conceded silly goals.” Meanwhile, Bachmann, who returned to the pitch after an injury layoff, expressed her optimism, stating, “It felt great to be back on the field. We need to analyze what went wrong and come back stronger.”
Looking ahead, the Swiss team must harness their determination and focus on correcting their mistakes. With the stakes high, the upcoming match against Iceland will be a true test of their character and resilience. Can they turn their fortunes around and finally secure a much-needed victory? Only time will tell as they prepare for this critical encounter.
