International football match: DFB women turn things up: 6-0 against European Championship hosts Switzerland

The German footballers gave their new national coach Christian Wücke their second win in the third game and raised anticipation for the 2025 European Championship. In the 6-0 (1-0) win against tournament hosts Switzerland, the Olympic bronze medalist struggled for a long time, but then turned up the heat in front of 17,306 spectators in Zurich’s Letzigrund.

Chelsea professional Sjoeke Nüsken (44th minute) broke the spell. Frankfurt substitute Laura Freigang scored a brace (50’/64′), as did Bayern striker Lea Schüller (56’/90’+1). Debutante Cora Zicai (73rd) also scored on her birthday.

“It was very difficult to get through against the massive Swiss defense. You just need dynamism and we had that in the second half,” the national coach told ZDF. Freigang saw himself as the beneficiary of the improved attacking play in the second half. “The crosses came very sharply and precisely. It’s not that difficult as a striker. You just have to hold your foot,” said the 26-year-old.

New goalkeeper Sophia Winkler almost unemployed

Goalkeeper Sophia Winkler from SGS Essen made an unremarkable debut, having little to do against defensive Swiss players. The 20-year-old Zicai from Freiburg and Alara Sehitler (18) from FC Bayern brought new momentum in their first international match after the break. Next Monday (8.30 p.m./ARD) in Bochum, the Wück team will finish the year against Italy before they start the European Championship year.

As Horst Hrubesch’s successor, Wück celebrated a brilliant debut in the 4-3 win against England at Wembley in October. After that, however, there was a 1-2 defeat against Australia in Duisburg.

Mascot Maddli promotes Euro 2025

The European Championship mascot Maddli, a St. Bernard puppy, presented before kick-off, gave a foretaste of the tournament next July. With the announced lineup of 21-year-old Winkler in goal, Wück fueled competition between the posts. Olympic heroine and “Footballer of the Year” Ann-Katrin Berger is currently taking a break.

The weakened hosts of Swedish coach Pia Sundhage withdrew from the start – and made things difficult for the German selection. Captain Giulia Gwinn repeatedly joined the attack from the right. But there were hardly any gaps at first against the 25th place in the FIFA world rankings.

Linda Dallmann provides fun

Linda Dallmann, who was outstanding against England, was initially not involved enough – but then shone with a fine pass to Schüller (33rd), who came a little too late against goalkeeper Herzog. Swiss keeper Elvira Herzog from RB Leipzig was just able to fend off a shot from Selina Cerci. But then the DFB women stepped on the gas: Schüller almost made it 1-0 – again thanks to Dallmann’s preparatory work. And after a Bühl corner, Nüsken headed the ball into the net from four meters.

The opening goal was the key for Dallmann. “When the one goal was scored, we got into the flow,” said the midfielder, who was substituted during the break. “And the second half was fun to watch.”

After the break, they left no doubt that the German footballers would remain unbeaten in the 19th match against Switzerland. Freigang twice used preparatory work from her Eintracht colleague Pia-Sophie Wolter. From a cross from Zicai, Schüller used his hair to extend the ball into the net before the newcomer scored himself. Schüller then ensured the final score.