Switzerland eliminated from the Women’s World Cup as another Tottenham star heads home
Switzerland were eliminated at the hands of Spain in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup last 16, in a huge blow for Tottenham defender Luana Buhler.
On Saturday 5 August Spain thrashed Switzerland 5-1 to qualify for the quarter-finals, sending their European rivals including Buhler home.
Spain advanced to the knockout stages of the competition by finishing runners-up in Group C, while Switzerland finished top of the pile in Group A. However, during the two sides’ meeting, it looked like Spain were the side that had won their group while the Swiss were second-best.
Prior to this match, Switzerland had not yet conceded at the tournament but that changed quickly against Spain.
Aitana Bonmati gave Spain the lead inside five minutes, but it was all square six minutes later when Laia Codina put the ball into the back of her own net.
In the 17th minute, Alba Redondo restored her nation’s lead, and from this point onwards Spain never looked back, scoring twice more during the first half and once late on to win the game empathically and make sure of their spot in the last eight.
Buhler had not been part of either of the past two Switzerland matchday squads heading into this contest and returned to the fold, being named on the bench during the elimination tie, although she did not get any minutes on the pitch.
Her one and what is now set to be only appearance at the tournament came during Switzerland’s opening match on Friday 21 July, a 2-0 win over the Philippines. Her impressive performance that day suggested her teammates could have used her against Spain.
The 27-year-old was the fourth-highest rated player on the pitch against the Philippines (Sofascore) and the highest in Switzerland’s back-four. She made two clearances, one interception and three tackles as well as winning 100 per cent of her ground duels and one of her four aerial duels.
In the end, no one will ever know whether or not Buhler’s inclusion would have made any difference, although the fact that Switzerland’s one and only win at the tournament came with her will leave Spurs fans feeling excited to see what their new recruit can do next season.
Just Rebecca Spencer, Drew Spence, Bethany England and Rosella Ayane are now left flying the colours of Tottenham in Australia and New Zealand.
In other Tottenham News, Jamaica goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer has called for change from the country’s federation.