Spain wants to take the highway to Euro Cup success

Eleven players and almost 30,000 spectators. That's what Spain faces tonight at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern. That's the distance between them and the Euro Cup semi-finals after 28 years. The Spanish national team, which has dazzled since the start of the tournament, is looking to advance and to do so must disappoint an entire nation. Switzerland, the host nation, has already made history by reaching the top eight. Spain, on the other hand, wants it all and is going all out for the triple crown. "I expect everything from this team," Aitana Bonmatí expresses confidence. "There are three games left and we want to win all three. It's a positive responsibility. Now we're seeing the big teams, and I hope Spain will be seen there . We already have experience," asserts the two-time Ballon d'Or winner.

The challenge is somewhat similar to that of three years ago in Brighton. Back then, Spain failed to reach the semifinals, ousted by England, who were also playing at home and had the support of their fans on their side. Of course, the English were among the favorites, while the Swiss played the role of victims. Nothing like it now, when all eyes are on the red team after their two exhibitions and the comeback win against Italy.

To reach the semi-finals The red team faces eleven players and almost 30,000 spectators who will fill the stands of the Wankdorf

“Seeing the stadium packed is a triumph for the evolution of our sport,” Montse Tomé emphasizes . “They're going to cheer on Switzerland, and we have to escape from that noise. It forces you to focus on the plan and enjoy yourself, so you end up thinking, 'With so many people, I've managed to be myself,'” the national team coach explains.

It's an uneven duel between the ambition of Tomé's team and the home side's dream. Spain, with more goalscoring and dominance, will try to prevent any surprises with another impressive performance. Furthermore, they've had a week to rest and prepare well for the match and will be able to count on Esther, the top scorer with four goals, having overcome her groin pain. Everything points to Cata Coll returning in goal after the three matches in Nanclares. "I know there's a lot of expectation, but you'll have to wait for the lineup. The player doesn't know either," Tomé assures.

The Spain-Switzerland World Cup match? It's a very nice moment I remember when I look back. We bounced back very well from the defeat against Japan. Aitana Bonmatí, Spanish midfielder

Not to mention that Switzerland brings back fond memories for the national team. The night of August 5, 2023, at Eden Park in Auckland, Switzerland, was a turning point for the national team. It was the round of 16 of the World Cup, and the great footballing change that had been quietly brewing began to take shape. Jorge Vilda bowed to reality and had to make changes he hadn't expected at the start of the tournament.

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After the dressing-down in Japan, the coach, who had started out maintaining a balance between Barcelona and Real Madrid players, had no choice but to give in to the push from the young Blaugrana players, which he was resisting. It was the first game in which Cata Coll replaced Misa Rodríguez between the sticks, Laia Codina (now at Arsenal and injured) closed the door on Ivana and Rocío in the center of defense, and Salma Paralluelo sat Athenea in the forward line.

August 5th in Auckland Cata Coll replaced Misa in goal, Laia Codina closed the door on Ivana in the center of defense, and Paralluelo sat Athenea in the forward line.

The result was 1-5 for Spain, who then eliminated the Netherlands and Sweden before defeating England in the final. “It was a very beautiful moment that I remember when I look back. We recovered very well,” Aitana recalls. There was no turning back, and nothing would ever be the same. The success consolidated the changes, and the women's team entered its golden age after the triumph of Switzerland.

Two years later, the same opponent in the first knockout round after the group stage, and Spain is looking to make Switzerland a gateway to the title race once again.