After being based in Dunedin for the past few weeks, the Swiss are set to depart Dunedin tomorrow as they embark on the top 16 phase of the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
They qualified following their 2-0 win against the Philippines and 0-0 draws against Norway and the Football Ferns and play Spain in Auckland on Saturday.
The Swiss have been staying at the Distinction Hotel, used the newly renovated Tahuna Park as their training facilities and played two games (Philippines and New Zealand) at Dunedin Stadium.
Midfielder Coumba Sow and defender Viola Calligaris enjoyed their time in the city, particularly the friendly, respectful locals and warm welcomes they received.
"I kind of started feeling a little bit at home," Sow said.
"You start to know the people in the coffee shops and stuff. I really like their energy, too."
They visited Sandfly Bay and Tunnel Beach — Calligaris loved seeing the sea lions in their natural environment — local cafes and went to the movies to see Barbie. There were varying thoughts on the film, but they laughed when international media showed players AI images of some of the team as Barbie characters yesterday.
Sow loved playing under the roof at Dunedin Stadium and enjoyed the atmosphere during last Sunday’s clash against the Football Ferns in front of 25, 947 spectators.
"The last game ... everyone against you, so I think that motivates you more," Sow said.
"It’s close to the field, so you can feel the fans, so it was a nice experience."
Calligaris, through a translator, said she also liked the atmosphere too. While she felt the pitch could have been a "little bit better", and Switzerland suffered slightly, she still enjoyed the experience of playing in Dunedin.
She raved about the "excellent" conditions of Tahuna Park and Fifa venue co-ordinator Rik Wilson’s support throughout their stay.
They converted him into a big Switzerland fan — "like one of us" — which had been amazing to see, she said.
Sow agreed about their training facilities, saying she was happy to "come back after Hamilton" where they played Norway last Tuesday.
Their attention now turns to Spain on Saturday, with their final Dunedin training sessions today.
Calligaris said they needed to defend better as a team and finish their chances to score against the No 6 ranked team.
Spain reached the top 16 after a 3-0 win against Costa Rica, a 5-0 thumping of Zambia but were stunned 4-0 against Japan.
NB: Ade is Swiss German for goodbye.
