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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Switzerland's stadium gamble pays off at Euro 2025 with sold-out crowds and electric atmospheres
Walking along the west side of St Jakob-Park, you would be mistaken for thinking the biggest stadium at Euro 2025 is bubble-wrapped, padded in jumbo squares of opaque gauze, bracing for a battle. In many ways, it is. Being inside Basel's 34,250-capacity arena is to have your insides shake, the guttural roars rebounding off each other in this intimate, sunset-trapped space. This was the case for the opening match of the European Championship, between hosts Switzerland and Group A opponents Norway, again for Germany's group-stage win against Denmark, and once again for Germany's stunning quarter-final victory against France. However, not everyone was expecting such raucous atmospheres before the tournament began. When Switzerland's initial host bid was lodged, there were various doubts, but none more so than about stadium size. Would awarding the tournament to Switzerland, whose proposed stadiums boast an average capacity of 20,000, be a backwards step? When the tournament was held in England three years earlier, the average capacity the stadiums was more than 33,000. 'At one point, people in UEFA even told us to withdraw our bid,' the former Swiss Football Association's head of women's and girls' Tatjana Haenni told The Athletic in June. ''Your chances are so small. Why don't you withdraw? England was such a success, we cannot go to a small country now'.' At risk of spoiling nothing, Switzerland met doubts over stadium size with a convincing argument of growth within Switzerland and beyond, supplementing the ecosystem of women's football as opposed to perpetuating the accepted hierarchy. Their bid defeated those from Poland, France and a joint-Nordic bid of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Switzerland's bid team argued that it was better to be full in small stadiums 90 per cent of the time rather than full in big stadiums 50 per cent of the time. While England's average capacity for the 2022 tournament was much higher, for example, the discrepancy between stadium sizes and attendances is arresting. England's opening Euro 2022 match against Austria at Old Trafford and their final at Wembley Stadium against Germany brought record crowds (68,871 and 87,192). Yet, just 9,000 of St Mary's 31,000 seats were full for Norway's 4-1 win against Northern Ireland in Southampton, while the 30,500-capacity MK Stadium was just over half full for Spain's 4-1 triumph over Finland. Manchester City's Joie Stadium, which typically holds 7,000 for Manchester City Women's Super League games, had its capacity slashed to 4,400 due to two standing-only ends not complying with UEFA regulations. Iceland midfielder Gunnhildur Yrsa Jonsdottir told reporters at the time: 'I'm not going to lie, when we first saw that it was there, it was a disappointment. But then we can't change that, it is what it is. I hope they learn from it.' Switzerland maintained that an average capacity of 20,000 was neither overly ambitious nor too modest, but rather perfectly matched the moment in which women's football found itself. In a way, it was a litmus test: women's football was growing, but how much of that was in pockets or across the board? If the group stage is anything to go by, it seems the game is increasing in popularity across Europe. According to UEFA, Euro 2025's group stage had the highest cumulative attendance figure (461,582) of a Women's European Championship, with 22 of 24 matches sold out. The highest attendance at a group-stage match not involving the host nation was broken twice, first with the 29,520 who attended Spain's 5-0 win against Portugal in Bern, then by the 34,165 who watched Germany defeat Denmark 2-1 in Basel. The average attendance of the group stage in total was 19,233 per match, just under the tournament's average capacity. The numbers tell only part of the story. In St Gallen for Wales' second match against France, the compact atmosphere of the 19,000-capacity Kybunpark made for a raucous affair, the proximity of the stands to the pitch creating a cavern of noise. There has been an element of good fortune, too. The Athletic attended Portugal's final group-stage match against Belgium in Sion's Stade de Tourbillon, the tournament's smallest stadium (7,750). If the ground was any bigger, it might have devoured this match into silence. Belgium were out and Portugal needed a minor miracle. Switzerland fans, along with a sprinkling of Wales fans, buffered the gaps. It was more of the same in Norway's group-stage win against Finland. In a stadium double the size, it was not difficult to imagine the atmosphere falling flat, of empty seats and negative videos circling online. The reverse could also have been problematic: had Switzerland's home match with Iceland or Spain against Portugal taken place in Sion, there would likely have been an outcry over a lack of capacity. An early worry percolating among some high-ranking officials in UEFA was a potential drop-off in attendances, particularly if the hosts went out early. Instead, the quarter-finals shattered more records: 34,128 watched Germany's victory over France, with an unprecedented 112,535 attending the four quarter-finals in total. As the tournament has progressed and attendance records have continued to break, some critics believe Switzerland underestimated the demand for tickets, particularly from travelling supporters. England's semi-final victory against Italy boasted an attendance of 26,359, with Spain's 1-0 extra-time semi-final victory against Germany watched in front of a sold-out crowd in Zurich's Stadion Letzigrund, breaking another cumulative record: Euro 2025 is already the most-attended tournament in women's Euros history (623,088). With ticket touts and genuine fans alike standing outside, hoisting placards in the air and begging for tickets, a sense of disappointment wafted as the matches kicked off. However, one official in UEFA, who wished to remain anonymous to protect relationships, points to the long-term benefit that sold-out stadiums and increased ticket demand can reap. Previously, the culture at women's football allowed ticket purchase on matchdays. Now, tickets are desired commodities that need to be purchased well in advance, cultivating a reputation as something desirable and meaningful. Equally, the fervour of the group stages and the sold-out arenas — allied with the quality of the teams and games themselves — have played a vital role in creating the sense that this tournament is the hottest ticket in town. Hindsight is a bitter luxury in football, but atmosphere is priceless. Switzerland has cultivated the latter exquisitely. It is proof that potential is now active growth. 'When you're looking at staging any tournament, you want to have a flexible range of stadiums,' Mark Bullingham, the England Football Association's chief executive, said on Thursday. 'Switzerland have done a great job here. They've filled out every stadium apart from two games, which is a great record and they should be proud of that. 'We need to continue to be bolder. I remember when we decided to go to Old Trafford (for the opening game in 2022), a lot of people thought we were a little bit crazy because it was such a big statement at the time, but then we sold it out and that helped set a standard. Here, they've set a brilliant standard of filling every stadium.' This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Women's Soccer, Women's Euros 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Switzerland's stadium gamble pays off at Euro 2025 with sold-out crowds and electric atmospheres
Walking along the west side of St Jakob-Park, you would be mistaken for thinking the biggest stadium at Euro 2025 is bubble-wrapped, padded in jumbo squares of opaque gauze, bracing for a battle. In many ways, it is. Being inside Basel's 34,250-capacity arena is to have your insides shake, the guttural roars rebounding off each other in this intimate, sunset-trapped space. Advertisement This was the case for the opening match of the European Championship, between hosts Switzerland and Group A opponents Norway, again for Germany's group-stage win against Denmark, and once again for Germany's stunning quarter-final victory against France. However, not everyone was expecting such raucous atmospheres before the tournament began. When Switzerland's initial host bid was lodged, there were various doubts, but none more so than about stadium size. Would awarding the tournament to Switzerland, whose proposed stadiums boast an average capacity of 20,000, be a backwards step? When the tournament was held in England three years earlier, the average capacity the stadiums was more than 33,000. 'At one point, people in UEFA even told us to withdraw our bid,' the former Swiss Football Association's head of women's and girls' Tatjana Haenni told The Athletic in June. ''Your chances are so small. Why don't you withdraw? England was such a success, we cannot go to a small country now'.' At risk of spoiling nothing, Switzerland met doubts over stadium size with a convincing argument of growth within Switzerland and beyond, supplementing the ecosystem of women's football as opposed to perpetuating the accepted hierarchy. Their bid defeated those from Poland, France and a joint-Nordic bid of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Switzerland's bid team argued that it was better to be full in small stadiums 90 per cent of the time rather than full in big stadiums 50 per cent of the time. While England's average capacity for the 2022 tournament was much higher, for example, the discrepancy between stadium sizes and attendances is arresting. England's opening Euro 2022 match against Austria at Old Trafford and their final at Wembley Stadium against Germany brought record crowds (68,871 and 87,192). Advertisement Yet, just 9,000 of St Mary's 31,000 seats were full for Norway's 4-1 win against Northern Ireland in Southampton, while the 30,500-capacity MK Stadium was just over half full for Spain's 4-1 triumph over Finland. Manchester City's Joie Stadium, which typically holds 7,000 for Manchester City Women's Super League games, had its capacity slashed to 4,400 due to two standing-only ends not complying with UEFA regulations. Iceland midfielder Gunnhildur Yrsa Jonsdottir told reporters at the time: 'I'm not going to lie, when we first saw that it was there, it was a disappointment. But then we can't change that, it is what it is. I hope they learn from it.' Switzerland maintained that an average capacity of 20,000 was neither overly ambitious nor too modest, but rather perfectly matched the moment in which women's football found itself. In a way, it was a litmus test: women's football was growing, but how much of that was in pockets or across the board? If the group stage is anything to go by, it seems the game is increasing in popularity across Europe. According to UEFA, Euro 2025's group stage had the highest cumulative attendance figure (461,582) of a Women's European Championship, with 22 of 24 matches sold out. The highest attendance at a group-stage match not involving the host nation was broken twice, first with the 29,520 who attended Spain's 5-0 win against Portugal in Bern, then by the 34,165 who watched Germany defeat Denmark 2-1 in Basel. The average attendance of the group stage in total was 19,233 per match, just under the tournament's average capacity. The numbers tell only part of the story. In St Gallen for Wales' second match against France, the compact atmosphere of the 19,000-capacity Kybunpark made for a raucous affair, the proximity of the stands to the pitch creating a cavern of noise. There has been an element of good fortune, too. The Athletic attended Portugal's final group-stage match against Belgium in Sion's Stade de Tourbillon, the tournament's smallest stadium (7,750). If the ground was any bigger, it might have devoured this match into silence. Belgium were out and Portugal needed a minor miracle. Switzerland fans, along with a sprinkling of Wales fans, buffered the gaps. Advertisement It was more of the same in Norway's group-stage win against Finland. In a stadium double the size, it was not difficult to imagine the atmosphere falling flat, of empty seats and negative videos circling online. The reverse could also have been problematic: had Switzerland's home match with Iceland or Spain against Portugal taken place in Sion, there would likely have been an outcry over a lack of capacity. An early worry percolating among some high-ranking officials in UEFA was a potential drop-off in attendances, particularly if the hosts went out early. Instead, the quarter-finals shattered more records: 34,128 watched Germany's victory over France, with an unprecedented 112,535 attending the four quarter-finals in total. As the tournament has progressed and attendance records have continued to break, some critics believe Switzerland underestimated the demand for tickets, particularly from travelling supporters. England's semi-final victory against Italy boasted an attendance of 26,359, with Spain's 1-0 extra-time semi-final victory against Germany watched in front of a sold-out crowd in Zurich's Stadion Letzigrund, breaking another cumulative record: Euro 2025 is already the most-attended tournament in women's Euros history (623,088). With ticket touts and genuine fans alike standing outside, hoisting placards in the air and begging for tickets, a sense of disappointment wafted as the matches kicked off. However, one official in UEFA, who wished to remain anonymous to protect relationships, points to the long-term benefit that sold-out stadiums and increased ticket demand can reap. Previously, the culture at women's football allowed ticket purchase on matchdays. Now, tickets are desired commodities that need to be purchased well in advance, cultivating a reputation as something desirable and meaningful. Equally, the fervour of the group stages and the sold-out arenas — allied with the quality of the teams and games themselves — have played a vital role in creating the sense that this tournament is the hottest ticket in town. Hindsight is a bitter luxury in football, but atmosphere is priceless. Switzerland has cultivated the latter exquisitely. It is proof that potential is now active growth. 'When you're looking at staging any tournament, you want to have a flexible range of stadiums,' Mark Bullingham, the England Football Association's chief executive, said on Thursday. 'Switzerland have done a great job here. They've filled out every stadium apart from two games, which is a great record and they should be proud of that. Advertisement 'We need to continue to be bolder. I remember when we decided to go to Old Trafford (for the opening game in 2022), a lot of people thought we were a little bit crazy because it was such a big statement at the time, but then we sold it out and that helped set a standard. Here, they've set a brilliant standard of filling every stadium.'
CNA
15-07-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Switzerland cancel training session ahead of Spain clash due to illness
OBERENTFELDEN, Switzerland :Switzerland's preparations for their Women's Euro quarter-final clash with Spain were thrown into disarray on Tuesday when the team had to cancel a training session due to sickness within the squad. Less than half an hour before the session was due to begin, the Swiss football association messaged media covering the team on WhatsApp to say that it had been cancelled. "Today's planned training session has been postponed until tomorrow. The background: In the past few days, some players have felt the symptoms of a cold," the message said. "In order to ensure a high-quality training programme, the technical staff have decided to give today off and complete the training session planned for today tomorrow. We apologise for the short notice." The hosts, who came second in Group A to make the knockout stage, are set to meet reigning world and Nations League champions Spain in their last-eight clash in Bern on Friday.
The Guardian
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Ignore the keyboard warriors: bring on Swiss cliches and Euro 2025
With the Lions Tour, Wimbledon, the second cricket Test between England and India and Copa Gianni all in full swing, the last thing all us sports fans who are so spoiled for summer choice need is keyboard warriors on social media abominations complaining about women's football being 'forced down our throats'. Especially given that, like each of the other sporting events listed above, watching Euro 2025 is still not compulsory. Due to take place in Switzerland over the next 25 days, the tournament kicks off on Wednesday, with Iceland taking on Finland in the early game before hosts Switzerland take on Norway in one of 22 out of 32 games that are already completely sold out. While Proper Football Men such as @FirstNameBunchOfNumbers are likely to be as performatively uninterested in the competition as we've come to expect, home fans and many of their travelling counterparts have certainly bought into it. Thus far, ticket sales have already topped 600,000, in a state of affairs that suggests interest in the European women's game is now higher than many of the Alpine peaks that will serve as picturesque backdrops in the various TV montages containing Toblerones, clocks, cheese, yodelling men, pocket knives and brown cows with bells around their necks that would almost certainly materialise in the coming weeks if Football Daily had won the rights. 'I sincerely thank the Swiss Football Association and its president, Dominique Blanc, for their tireless efforts in preparing for this event, and the host cities, volunteers and fans whose energy and support will leave a lasting legacy,' honked Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin in his pre-tournament address. 'The stage now belongs to the 16 outstanding teams chasing the dreams of European glory. I wish them all good health, to be on top of their game, to make their nations proud, and to write a new chapter in football history.' Of the teams who qualified, approximately five are considered genuine contenders to lift the trophy, even if most experts seem to have flagged up Spain, the World Cup holders, as the most likely winners. England will be hopeful to retain the title they won at Wembley three years ago but have also been earmarked as potential high-profile early croppers amid some talk of unhappiness in a camp that includes high-profile absentees. Lioness legends Mary Earps, Millie Bright and Fran Kirby all withdrew from contention (or in some cases learned they weren't in contention) in the week leading up to the announcement of Sarina Wiegman's squad, prompting accusations that their Dutch manager was presiding over a disharmonious squad being rent asunder by excessively big egos. 'That is not the case,' sniffed Wiegman at the time, upon being asked if her team is in crisis. 'We are going with these 23 to the Euros now and I feel very comfortable with this team. I am very happy with the team and I am very excited, and I am looking forward to it. For me, it doesn't feel like a crisis at all.' Yet to taste defeat as a manager at the Euros going into her third tournament, Wiegman is a wily veteran, unlike Wales and Poland, who will be making their debuts in this showcase of a sport that has never been in more rude health. Join Barry Glendenning from 5pm BST for MBM coverage of Iceland 1-1 Finland in the Euro 2025 opener, with Scott Murray on deck at 8pm for Switzerland 2-1 Norway. I'm my own worst critic. If I'm not happy with it, it doesn't go out. It simply doesn't happen. When it came to [Swindon's] Don Rogers, for instance, I cut that head off six times! It's kind of scary when you do that' – Alan Herriott is among the sculptors who detail the pressure of preserving a player's likeness and legacy for expectant fans in this entertaining piece. During what used to be the close season for football I would fill some of the void by watching Wimbledon. Seeing the line judges ducking 140mph serves – or not – was particularly enjoyable. Imagine my disappointment when I discovered that, from this year, all the major calls are made by someone watching camera-assisted footage on a screen. Still, it seems these decisions are made more quickly and accurately. Perhaps football should consider something similar? Oh' – Justin Johnson. Surely commentators must be aware that goalposts and crossbars are inanimate objects? The posts aren't making last-ditch tackles, nor is the crossbar putting its body on the line by bravely throwing itself in front of goal-bound shots. So, for the love of Diego (other deities are available) please stop saying someone was 'denied by the woodwork'. Otherwise my long-suffering wife will have to go on hearing me shout at the telly like a demented idiot who believes the commentators can actually hear him' – Mark McFadden. Re: Diego Maradona's choice of icy refreshment (yesterday's Memory Lane, full email edition). From left to right: Pop-eye (limón); Frigo pie; Frigurón (in the form of a shark); Capitán Cola. Just FYI' – Tim Cole. Please send your letters to Today's winner of our letter o' the day competition is … Justin Johnson, who gets some Football Weekly merch. We'll be in touch. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, can be viewed here. It's the latest Football Weekly podcast on the Copa Gianni and Euro 2025. Newcastle United pride themselves on making headlines with their flags – they even have a fans' group dedicated to organising them so St James' Park looks its best on matchdays. But in the past 24 hours the club's use of one in a video has drawn attention for the wrong reasons. In a video to promote the Magpies' new third kit, which featured fan and young local rocker Sam Fender, the club included a flag that resembled the Rising Sun ensign used by Japan's army in the second world war. Yep, many people find it offensive. Ah. Time to roll out an apology. 'The reaction to our new third kit with Adidas has been special, but the launch video contained a scene that could inadvertently cause offence,' said a club statement. 'We apologise for that. We've removed the scene from the film to make sure that as many fans as possible can enjoy it.' Chelsea have added João Pedro to their Copa Gianni squad after signing the forward from Brighton in a deal worth up to £60m. And yes, he has penned a seven-year deal. Centre-back Jarell Quansah has skedaddled from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth up to £35m. 'It's a great role and challenge for me to be part of the current Leverkusen rebuild,' whooped the 22-year-old. Another player who has been signing things is Chloe Kelly. The 27-year-old has completed a free transfer to Arsenal after her successful loan from Manchester City. 'Learning from an incredible manager and continuing to build relationships with an excellent team is a journey I'm looking forward to continuing,' cheered the England forward, from somewhere in Switzerland. Morecambe are on the brink of entering administration after talks between the club's directors and the owner, Jason Whittingham, failed to find a breakthrough regarding a potential takeover. Real Madrid are into the Copa Gianni quarter-finals after Gonzalo García's goal was enough for a 1-0 win over hot-and-bothered Juventus. 'Ten players asked to be substituted,' wheezed Juve boss Igor Tudor. 'The exhaustion was incredible … this heat … really gets to you.' Reports in Brazil say that Botafogo boss Renato Paiva was hoofed through the door marked Do One for not allowing chief suit John Textor to interfere by picking the team. 'All I can say is that I'm shocked, and the staff and players are open-mouthed about the decision,' sniffed Paiva. And Roy Hodgson and Thomas Tuchel have crossed paths at Wimbledon today. Let's hope this was a friendly chat about tactics and not an argument over whose seat it was. Euro 2025 is a moment to sense the sheer scale of progress, writes Jonathan Liew. Hammerings, history and hard times: the seven ages of Sarina Wiegman's England. By Tom Garry and Suzanne Wrack. Nick Ames on how Switzerland is hoping for a festival of football to get the Euros party started. How was the Copa Gianni for Manchester City? Jamie Jackson looks at the good and the not so good from their time in the USA USA USA. Has a team ever won Big/Bigger Cup without beating any champions? The Knowledge has the answer. It was a desperate exit to Guatemala in the Gold Cup for Canada. Joe Callaghan reviews what is going wrong for Jesse Marsch. And the Rumour Mill brings you all the latest tittle-tattle for your enjoyment. Today there is a suggestion an England winger will swap Chelsea for Arsenal. To a mud bath at Kenilworth Road as Sweden celebrate their triumph over England on penalties at Euro 1984, the game having gone the distance after finishing 1-1 after two legs. At the front right you may spot Pia Sundhage, who is leading hosts Switzerland into the current tournament as manager.
