The 1-2 defeat for Switzerland in the opening game of the Women’s European Championship against Norway was bitter. But the experience in the full St. Jakob Park was an unforgettable for the hosts who, despite the defeat, gives hope.
Her first game at the home European Championship was a change of feelings for Switzerland and her fans. After the 1-0 by Nadine Giant, Nati trainer Pia Sundhage smiled in her coaching zone and almost shook her head. The Basel St. Jakob -Park – with 34,063 viewers as well as sold out – became a Tollhaus. After the Norwegian double strike, it was silent for a short time.
The fans were almost even louder when Norway’s captain Ada Hegerberg shot the penalty to the possible 3: 1 past the goal. And only seconds later, referee Alina Pesu whistled penalty for Switzerland. Everything still seemed to turn for the hosts. But nothing came of it: According to video evidence, the penalty was withdrawn. And Svenja Fölmli drog on the side window on the replacement bench.
Nati players are speechless
So what remains of this evening of this special evening? “It was a huge moment for all of us to come to the stadium with all the fans. It was a red wall. I had goosebumps all over the body”said Geraldine Reuteler. “It was a lot of fun playing football here.” The more annoying was the defeat after a long superior game.
It is really bitter that we leave the pitch as losers. I think it is absolutely not deserved.
“I am ultra proud of every single player that we went full throttle. Everyone wanted to the end and fought”said Riesen. That there is none “Reward” for them and their teammates, but also “For every single viewer” However, it was very disappointing.
They would have imagined the EM opening game experience in their own country. But then giant the words were missing a little. “It was incredible.”
Fans enthusiastic about mood still hope
So the fans, who had been put in ecstasy 1-0, were particularly popular. “It was very, very great in terms of mood. Really unique to experience that in your own country”said Valentina from Basel. “And everything is still possible. It was only the first game.”
The referee team had hidden the mood of the Basel Miriam: “You can’t use them. I would have been happy if it might have been a 2-2. But I hope that there is still something in it. It would be a shame if Switzerland would fly out again.”
It was such a great game. I expected it a lot of good, I thought it was less atmosphere – but it was great.
Rafael from Zurich and his two friends hardly vote after the game: “We made a lot of mood. We almost brought the thing home. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough at the end.” The appearance of the Sundhage team also encouraged the three courage for the two coming game.
Alisha Lehmann comes very close to her fans
Maybe Alisha Lehmann will also be used. Probably the best -known player of the Nati, who has 16.7 million followers on Instagram, but who denies many observers the necessary class for the European Championship, braised the entire 97 minute of play on the replacement bench.
The 26 -year -old came very close to her fans – or more precisely a large group folder who was currently working after work – only half an hour before midnight. The offensive player of Juventus Turin strolled on the sideline through the stadium with her cell phone on the ear. Influencer, whose nomination had given great discussions, did not seem to notice that she ran exactly through the group of Stewarts, which made her place almost awesome for her.
Fans march in a good mood 3.5 kilometers to the stadium
Speaking of fans: Around 2,000 hard -boiled people had turned into a 3.5 km long fan march for a 3.5 km long fan march three hours before the kick -off. Good mood and cheerful courage – despite the scorching sun and temperatures, which were already over 30 degrees Celsius in the shade.
It was particularly loud before the St. Jakob Park when other fans came to the road in the street undernoings and all accommodated channels.
Ex-national trainer Grings hopes for sustainable development
The former Swiss national coach Inka Grings came to the opening game earlier. “So I was able to experience the euphoria outside. I hoped that. It is great for the country and the people that the European Championship takes place here“, said the 46-year-old. Swiss women’s football has already developed very well in recent years. But there is also a lot to do. “And then such an euphoria and such attention are extremely good.”
We want young girls to finally get players as role models and not just men. This is great: because the world is not just men. It is all the more beautiful that the EM is well received.
The 96-time German international, who, according to his own statement, did not think much about the importance of the home World Cup for Germany, described it as “Extremely desirable“That the” Nati “at least survived the preliminary round at an EM finals for the first time. The further the host comes, the better it would be.
At the same time she is convinced “That an early from the euphoria and the mood would not slow down”. The most important thing is that the EM has a lasting effect. “And I’m very confident.” In any case, the opening game and all of his trials and confusion will not forget everyone involved so quickly.