Euro 2025: Switzerland draws inspiration from historic upsets as it preps for Spain in quarterfinals
Switzerland coach Pia Sundhage is leaning into soccer history to prepare for one of the toughest games in her storied career Friday at the Women s European Championship Her fast-improving young group has a quarterfinal against world champion and tournament favorite Spain in the Swiss capital that once staged a legendary upset The Miracle of Bern when West Germany stunned Hungary in the men s World Cup final might have seemed ancient history to Switzerland s players who have been taken to the nation s hearts this month A more modern vintage is Switzerland s men surprisingly beating Spain the soon-to-be champion at their opening meeting of the World Cup in South Africa We try to share stories that s what life is all about Sundhage noted Thursday hours after showing video of that - Swiss win to her players Sharing stories brings us together And just the mindset that it is feasible the veteran coach explained We feel it we remind each other it is workable because it s football Switzerland defender Noelle Maritz explained listening to Sundhage and watching the tournament film really made me feel goosebumps World Cup miracle The modern Wankdorf Stadium that hosts Switzerland s first match in the knockout rounds at any Women s Euros is built on the site of soccer lore from years ago The great Hungary club captained by Ferenc Pusk s had beaten West Germany - in the group stage and in the final scored twice within eight minutes The Germans rallied to win - in a shocker that was the subject of a movie Das Wunder von Bern which was distributed in We narrated that story as well of Sundhage reported Thursday Those old stories and pictures are wonderful If you want to change something you have to repeat it and have to spread the word Sundhage credited the idea of seeking inspiration in the past from the squad s sporting coordinator Johan Djourou The former Arsenal defender went to three World Cups with the men s national group though missed the tournament in an injury-hit season He was talking about it in a very emotional way she declared of one of just two wins in games against Spain for the Swiss men There are a few stories that we would like to happen again Alexia and Aitana On Friday as it was years ago Switzerland will face Spanish generational talents Andr s Iniesta and Xavi Harnandez then Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmat now She s a unique participant the California-born Maritz revealed of trying to control Bonmat She really knows how to decide matches The host nation s Euro already will be remembered as a success in the national soccer story even if it is Spain advancing to a semifinal against France or Germany Yet Sundhage wants more facing the Women s World Cup winner which she expects will dominate possession of the ball I would say this is the biggest ever challenge the -year-old coach stated We re going to play against the world champs and on home soil This is the moment AP soccer https apnews com hub soccer Source
