As part of the qualifying tournament, the Swiss national team travels to the East to prepare for the European Championship

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The groups for the first qualifying phase for the 2025 European Championship in Switzerland were drawn in Nyon. As hosts, the Swiss national team has been placed in the final round, but will still participate in the qualifying tournament in Nations League mode.

Former national goalkeeper Gaëlle Thalmann drew the lots and ensured that Switzerland, drawn in League B, met Hungary, Turkey and Azerbaijan. The six game days are spread over three dates in April, May and July.

In League A, Group 3 stands out with France, England, Sweden and Ireland. In group 4 there is a neighboring match between Germany and Austria.

What Sundhage wants to focus on

«Hungary will fight until the 92nd minute. I heard that Turkey doesn’t concede many goals. And I’ve never been to Azerbaijan; “I think it’s a good opportunity to learn more about world football,” said Sundhage, who briefly assessed the group opponents after the draw. The only personal experience she has is against Hungary, which she defeated with Brazil.

For Sundhage, the group is about laying a good foundation for the European Championship finals in the summer of 2025. “We have to work on our game idea.” How Switzerland scores goals, especially when you look at their rather slow goal production. It should also work in standard situations. “And one thing that could make us successful is that we are well organized, especially on defense.”

This is how the qualifying tournament works

For qualifying, UEFA divided the countries into three competitions, which were established based on their performances in the Nations League. In the first phase, only top division teams can qualify for the finals. The first eight places next to Switzerland go to the group winners and number two in League A.

In the second phase, the remaining seven places will be determined through a two-round playoff tournament. The first round is scheduled for the end of October, the second in late November and early December.

In addition to preparing for the European Championship, it will also be important for the Swiss to do well in the Nations League. “We have already qualified for the final, but for me we have a clear goal with qualifying for the European Championship: promotion back to League A of the Nations League,” says Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic, who sets the direction. (SDA/dti)

Source : Blick