Philippines vs Switzerland – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Philippines vs Switzerland on and what time does it start? Philippines vs Switzerland will take place on Friday 21st July, 2023 – 06:00 (UK)
Where is Philippines vs Switzerland taking place? Philippines vs Switzerland will take place at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Where can I get tickets for Philippines vs Switzerland? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Philippines vs Switzerland
What channel is Philippines vs Switzerland on in the UK? Philippines vs Switzerland will be broadcast live on ITV 1
Where can I stream Philippines vs Switzerland in the UK? Philippines vs Switzerland can be streamed on ITV X
THE LOWDOWN
PHILIPPINES
- Philippines have already triumphed just by being in this tournament, having becoming the first team from the nation, male or female to qualify for a FIFA World Cup competition, having done so via the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, a groundbreaking achievement by the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship winners.
- They arrive in good form under Alen Stajcic, but will be understandably considered the rank outsiders in Group A so it’s vital that they can get off to a good start here to give themselves a fighting chance heading into their remaining two group fixtures.
SWITZERLAND
- Switzerland one and only previous appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup came in 2015, but they arrive in New Zealand fancied by many to make it through to the knockout stage for the second time when considering the players at their disposal.
- For a while it seemed that captain Lia Walti wouldn’t make it to the tournament after picking up a bad ankle injury whilst playing for Arsenal, but the midfielder had not sustained any serious damage and is expected to be passed fit in time to feature in the group stage, which would be a huge boost to this strong-looking side.
THE TEAM NEWS
PHILIPPINES
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): McDaniel; Cesar, Long, Alcantara, Randle; Castaneda, Sawicki, Annis, Quezada; Bolden, Frilles
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
SWITZERLAND
PREDICTED XI (4-3-1-2): Peng; Calligaris, Buhler, Stierli, Maritz; Sow, Walti, Reuteler; Crnogorcevic; Lehmann, Terchoun
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Walti (Injured)
THE KEY STATS
- The Philippines earned their place at Australia & New Zealand in 2023 when they qualified for the semi-finals of the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the first time ever. They had only made it through to the knockout phase on one previous occasion.
- The Philippines have won five of their last six international matches (L1).
- Switzerland’s only previous appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ came in 2015 when they progressed through to the knockout phase and lost 1-0 to the host nation Canada in the round of 16.
- At Canada 2015, the Swiss produced a remarkable 10-1 victory against Ecuador in their second match, with Ramona Bachmann and Fabienne Humm both scoring hat-tricks. The three-goals scored by Humm came in the space of just five minutes which is a tournament record.
- Bachmann and Humm were pivotal players in securing Switzerland’s place at the 2023 finals with them both finding the net in their dramatic 2-1 victory against Wales in the UEFA play-offs. Humm scored the crucial winning goal just before the end of extra-time to send Switzerland through to the finals for the second time.
THE PREDICTION
It goes without saying that Philippines won’t have come all this way just to make up the numbers, but the reality is that they have their work cut out here against this Switzerland side, who look a very good unit across the pitch with players plying their trade in the elite levels of European football. The occasion could prove a daunting one for Philippines, whose players will have never competed with such a huge spotlight on them and an early goal for Switzerland may lead to a long 90 minutes. Expect a comprehensive Switzerland win by at least three clear goals with the players at their disposal.
TIP: SWITZERLAND TO WIN WITH -2 HANDICAP
