Pia Sundhage, Switzerland's coach, emphasized the significance of facing world champions Spain in the European Championship quarterfinal. Ranked 23rd globally, Switzerland advanced after a dramatic equalizer against Finland. Spain, having scored 14 goals in previous matches, is a strong favorite. Sundhage described this match as her biggest challenge, mixing factors such as the opponent's status and the unique setting. She inspired her team by displaying footage of a past victory over Spain, aiming to foster togetherness and confidence amid the challenge ahead.
I would say this is the biggest [challenge] ever, playing against the world champions, on home soil, in a quarterfinal -- this is the moment.
Put three things together: 'world champions,' 'Spain,' because everyone talks about the way Spain are playing, and then 'quarterfinal.' It makes this so special and you have to grab that moment.
To motivate her players, Sundhage has shown them footage of Switzerland's 1-0 over Spain at the men's World Cup in 2010, a competition Spain went on to win in South Africa.
We try to share stories. Even in our bubble, things have been happening previously in Switzerland. That was an idea from Johan [to show them the 2010 game].
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