Fri Jul 18 20:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Switzerland Faces Spain in Euro Cup Quarterfinals: Coach Sundhage Calls for Collective Effort

**Bern, Switzerland** – As Switzerland prepares to face Spain in the Euro Cup quarterfinals in Bern, coach Pia Sundhage is urging her team to seize the opportunity and play as a cohesive unit. Speaking ahead of the match at Stadion Wankdorf, Sundhage emphasized the need for Switzerland to be prepared for Spain’s tactical prowess, regardless of their approach.

“We have to prepare for everything: whether they come from the left, right, or whatever,” said Sundhage, a former Euro Cup champion herself. She acknowledged Spain’s status as favorites, citing their dominant performance in the group stage. “They are the world champions… It’s Spain, so everyone talks about how they play and the good players they have. And it’s a quarterfinal match. Those three things make it so special.”

Despite acknowledging the challenge, Sundhage expressed confidence in her team’s potential, drawing on their experiences from the group stage, including a crucial late goal against Finland that secured their spot in the quarterfinals. “We have to believe in what we have done previously… The last goal (against Finland) is the reason why we are here. We focus on those kinds of stories,” she stated.

Defender Noelle Maritz echoed the coach’s sentiments, acknowledging the exceptional talent of Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner. “She is a unique player… She really knows how to decide games, she has incredible quality,” Maritz said. “It will be a challenge to defend her. Spain is a very supportive team and has world-class players, but we will give our best.”

Switzerland will play in front of a home crowd of 30,000, with the vast majority expected to support the “Nati.” Sundhage hopes the team’s resilience and her own experience will inspire them to overcome the odds against the reigning world champions.

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