Women's Euro 2025: Why Lia Walti is so important for Switzerland
Despite the result, home fans will have left the stadium feeling proud of the heart shown by captain Lia Walti.
Advertisement
The 32-year-old, preparing to pull on the Switzerland kit for the third time at a Women's European Championship, told the story of what hosting Euro 2025 truly means for these Swiss fans.
'It's incredible,' Walti told the media ahead of the tournament's opening day. 'It's something that when I started my national team career I was never picturing, I never thought that we would host a major tournament. Now I'm sitting here in Basel, so it's extremely special for all of us.'
'Women's football is growing world wide, extremely fast as well here in Switzerland, but we still have a lot of steps to go and we want to use this tournament to be positive role models and inspire the nation.'
The home nation faithful were bursting with pride when asked to speak about what the midfield maestro means for Swiss football. When asked about why Walti is so integral to this Swiss outfit, one fan answered simply: 'She's a Champions League winner!'
Advertisement
Swiss captain Walti shows heart in Basel
A shot from range in the 14th minute set the tone for Walti's evening as she dictated the midfield with composure, fluidity, but most of all, heart. There is a reason why the Arsenal fans name her 'Snake Hips', as Walti skipped and swivelled past clusters of Norwegians with ease.
Although when Swiss defender Julia Stierli redirected the ball into the back of her own net to award Norway the lead in the 58th minute, Walti ran to the dugout to receive treatment on her right hamstring that heavily strapped. The midfielder was already carrying a worrying knee issue heading into the tournament, but refused to give up the chance to lead her nation out in front of the home fans.
Switzerland now left with a mountain to climb in Group A
Elsewhere in Group A, Finland secured a 1-0 victory over Iceland in Thun thanks to 70th minute winner from Katariina Kosola. With wins secured for both Norway and Finland already, the host nation will need to dig deep in order to book themselves a spot in the knockout stages.
The host nation will be provided an opportunity to shoot up the standings this Sunday July 6, as the side travel to Bern to face winless Iceland.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Man United must resist urge to sign Denzel Dumfries
Manchester United and numerous clubs around Europe have been presented with the opportunity to sign Inter Milan wing back Denzel Dumfries. Fabrizio Romano has recently posted on X that the Dutchman's release clause has been lowered to €25 million until the middle of July. There is no doubt that Dumfries certainly ticks some boxes for the Red Devils. Advertisement He is player who has been on the club's radar for some time as he was regularly linked with a move to Old Trafford in the Erik ten Hag years. The wing back would also fit Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 formation like a glove as he would provide immense energy and attacking threat down United's right hand side and could potentially wreak havoc with Bryan Mbeumo, should the Red Devils finally agree a fee with Brentford. Dumfries' statistics back this up as he scored 11 goals and provided six assists in all competitions last year. This included an outstanding performance against Barcelona during the Champions League semi-final, where he scored two goals and provided three assists over the two legs. Nonetheless, this is not a deal that United should pursue. Advertisement Dumfries' age There is no question that the Netherlands international is a physical specimen but age catches up with everyone. The wingback is 29 years old and his game is very connected to his incredible engine. Added into the mixture is that the Premier League is a much more fearsome physical beast in comparison to Serie A, it is logical that his impact will lessen. He would certainly add immense experience to a fresh-faced backline but United do not need another ageing star after years of making these mistakes on repeat. Where would Amad play? United struggled badly for most of last season but one of the few rays of hope was Amad. Advertisement The Ivorian destroyed numerous teams down the right hand side and has looked most at home in Amorim's system as a right wing back. In addition, with the signing of Matheus Cunha and the likely addition of Mbeumo, the number 10 slots at Old Trafford look rather crowded. Were Dumfries to be signed, Amad may struggle to find a place in the team and after years of being benched and suffering injuries, what he needs most of all next year are games to continue his development. It must also be remembered that United will only play domestic games next season, lessening their work load significantly. Blocking Jaydan Kamason's path United already have an outstanding young right wing back talent in their youth system and his name is Jaydan Kamason. Advertisement The Carrington staff have waxed lyrical over the potential of last season's FA Youth Cup star and he will surely be keen to make a strong impression on Amorim and his staff over this pre-season. With Amad being the starting right wing back, Kamason can also add youthful energy and attacking threat when called upon. Were Dumfries to sign, it would effectively end his Old Trafford senior career before it even started. Dumfries' weaknesses Finally, Dumfries is a very good player but he is far from perfect. The Athletic conclude that although 'his physical assets undoubtedly help him defensively, he is not a proficient tackler and can often get caught out of position in transition.' Advertisement Adding to this, he is also a weak passer and at 29 years old, he is unlikely to markedly improve on any of these skills. All in all, whilst moving for Dumfries at a bargain price is obviously tempting, United should keep their powder dry and trust the young hopefuls already in the Old Trafford dressing room. Follow us on Bluesky: @
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Gyokeres reaches ‘full agreement' with Arsenal over transfer
Viktor Gyokeres has reached a full agreement with Arsenal on a transfer to the club this summer. Negotiations between Sporting CP and Arsenal are progressing positively with Gyokeres having informed the Portuguese side of his desire to move to North London. The Swedish striker is giving full priority to Arsenal with no intention of listening to rival proposals. Manchester United had been named as potential suitors with former Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim open to a reunion with the player. Advertisement Fabrizio Romano has confirmed a full agreement has been reached between Gyokeres and Arsenal on personal terms. There is also increasing optimism that a fee can be agreed between the clubs. Gyokeres has a release clause of €100m (£85m) at Sporting but the Primeira Liga side are willing to accept a lower fee. A figure of €80m (£69m) has been mooted. The 27-year-old is keen to quit Sporting after two prolific campaigns. Gyokeres has scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting, winning consecutive league titles and Primeira Liga top scorer awards. He has informed the club that he has no desire to return for pre-season. Gyokeres's arrival would represent a statement signing for Arsenal and end a long-term search for a centre-forward. Advertisement Arsenal had considered RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko but look set to proceed with Gyokeres after a failure to find progress in negotiations with Leipzig. The Bundesliga side had demanded a fee of around €90m for the Slovenia international. Read – The highest transfer fees for uncapped English players See more – Diogo Jota felt like one of us Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok
Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Bayern's Jamal Musiala fractured his leg in collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma at Club World Cup
Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala lies on the ground during the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between PSG and Bayern Munich in Atlanta, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala is taken off the field after an injury during the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between PSG and Bayern Munich in Atlanta, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala is taken off the field after an injury during the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between PSG and Bayern Munich in Atlanta, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala lies on the ground during the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between PSG and Bayern Munich in Atlanta, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala is taken off the field after an injury during the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between PSG and Bayern Munich in Atlanta, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) MUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich says attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala faces a 'lengthy' recovery from a leg fracture after his collision with Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Club World Cup. Bayern said Sunday that Musiala had flown back from Florida to Munich that morning for surgery on the injury he picked up in Saturday's loss to PSG in the quarterfinals. Advertisement Bayern said doctors found Musiala 'sustained a fracture of the fibula (bone in the lower leg) associated with an ankle dislocation." 'This serious injury and the lengthy lay-off are a real shock for Jamal and us all,' Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl said in a statement. "Jamal has just come back from an injury and will now be out for another long period. He'll get everything he needs from us. We'll support him intensively, be by his side and already look forward to when he's back on the pitch.' ___ AP soccer:
