Calligaris misses World Cup start: ‘One or the other is waiting for a restless night’

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Friday’s game comes too early for Viola Calligaris (27). “We plan without her, because she has not yet participated in team training,” said national coach Inka Grings (44) a day before the opening game against the Philippines. However, she assumes that the defender is an option for the second game against Norway on Tuesday.

Calligaris’ absence could then become a problem if something were to happen to Luana Buhler (27) or Julia Stierli (26), who are placed in central defence. With the exception of the young Laura Felber (21), Grings no longer has a trained central defender on the bench. The Nati coach sees Noelle Maritz (27) or Marion Rey (24) as further options in the center of defense. “Lia Wälti – even though she doesn’t like to hear it – could play this position,” says Grings.

Grings: “We’ve been warned”

The day before the game, the Germans are overjoyed that it will finally start. “It’s a healthy tension. I’m not nervous, I’m nervous about other things,” said Grings, who took part in a World Cup twice as a player. The anticipation can also be felt in the team, she sees radiant eyes in everyone. “One or the other will have a somewhat restless night ahead.”

The Swiss feel very much at home in the south of the co-host country and were able to explore the region around Dunedin (Neus) in between. “But we are here to play successful and good football and not to go on holiday,” said Grings. They extensively analyzed the opponent from the Philippines. “They play very disciplined and are dangerous in substitution. We have been warned, because you have nothing to lose.”

Safety absolutely guaranteed

In preparation for the match, Ramona Bachmann (32) also received a few tips from former teammates from Sweden. The Scandinavians defeated the Philippines 5-1 in an internal friendly a few days ago. “They have two fast strikers, but I don’t want to say much more about it,” said the PSG striker.

The national team also noted the attack in Auckland, where several people were killed on Thursday after an unknown person opened fire on a construction site. “We have heard about it and have been in contact with some of the players whose teams are in Auckland. They were a little concerned,” says Bachmann. But she always feels safe in Dunedin, over 1000 kilometers from Auckland. “Safety is absolutely guaranteed. We can concentrate on football.”

The anticipation is also great at Bachmann. A World Cup is very special. “When you put on the jersey, you do it not only for yourself, your team and your family, but also for your country and you try to make it proud.” However, the PSG attacker does not believe that she will have sleeping problems due to nervousness. “I won’t have a sleepless night.”

Source : Blick