World Cup last-16: Switzerland vs Spain – Match preview, live stream, kick-off time, prediction, team news, lineups
Saturday 5 August will see the first of the last-16 games begin. The 2023 Women’s World Cup has been filled with upsets and surprises – and some really great football.
It’s an all-European affair when Switzerland face Spain.
The Swiss finished top of Group A with seven points, while Spain came in as runners-up in Group C.
- Match 49: Switzerland vs Spain (06:00, Auckland) – BBC
- 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup fixtures for Saturday 5 August
Match preview
Switzerland preview
Switzerland are in the last-16 for the second time – their first world cup appearance came in 2015 and ended in the knockout rounds, no doubt they will be looking to go one step further in 2023.
The Swiss have been well-disciplined and well-structured.
Their 2023 World Cup campaign began with a 2-0 win over the Philippines, before frustrating Norway to bag one point from a goalless draw.
The final group stage match was a little disappointing for the team, who were held to a 0-0 draw by tournament co-hosts New Zealand.
They have now drawn seven of their last 10 internationals (W1, L1) proving they are tough to beat – with a solid defence.
Switzerland are one of three teams who have not yet conceded a goal and no doubt their focus will be on maintaining their defensive strengths.
Spain preview
Spain kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica before a 5-0 win against Zambia.
They went into their final game – against Japan – having already qualified. They had hoped to secure the top spot in the group stages, but Japan wasn’t going to allow that.
Despite Spain having most of the possession, Japan were able to win 4-0.
If Spain win they will be heading to the quarter-finals for the very first time.
Team News
Switzerland boss Inka Grings could opt for consistency and name an unchanged lineup for Saturday’s last-16 tie.
Noelle Maritz will operate in central defence alongside Julia Stierli, while Eseosa Aigbogun and Nadine Riesen will feature as the two full-backs.
Barcelona forward Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic will be hoping to score her first goal of the tournament when she features in a front three with Seraina Piubel and Ramona Bachmann.
As for Spain, they will be hoping that Ivana Andres is passed fit for Saturday’s contest after missing the defeat to Japan through injury.
Alexia Putellas started the final two group games, and the 29-year-old is expected to retain her place in midfield alongside Teresa Abelleira and Aitana Bonmati.
Experienced forward Jenni Hermoso is set to lead the line, with Barcelona’s Salma Paralluelo and Mariona Caldentey operating out wide.
Switzerland Women possible starting lineup:
Thalmann; Aigbogun, Maritz, Stierli, Riesen; Sow, Walti, Reuteler; Piubel, Bachmann, Crnogorcevic
Spain Women possible starting lineup:
Misa; Batlle, Paredes, Ivana, Carmona; Bonmati, Abelleira, Putellas; Paralluelo, Caldentey, Hermoso
WTX Sports predicts Spain will win 1-0. – Read our predictions here