Football General Manager
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- Switzerland fell behind in the 79th minute
- Sundhage brought on Xhemaili after conceding
- The PSV player emerged as the difference-maker
The first half was full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. The hosts started the match brightly, dominating possession, pressing relentlessly and attacking with intent, but the lack of quality in the final third was evident.
As the game progressed, Finland started to get a foothold in midfield and tried opening up the play. They started finding gaps in the Swiss defence, and Katariina Kosola was the livewire on the left flank. However, there were hardly any clear cut chances for either team until the final minute of the first half regulation time, when Livia Peng made a fantastic reflex save to keep Finland at bay from a set-piece.
Finland had their task cut out as they needed to emerge triumphant to stay alive in the tournament, whereas a draw would have been enough for the hosts. After the hour mark, the Finns were throwing the kitchen sink at Switzerland and were rewarded for their sustained pressure when Viola Calligaris tripped Koivisto inside the box. And it was bedlam at the Stade de Geneve as Kuikka showed her composure and converted from her spot to break the deadlock.
Swiss manager Pia Sundhage brought on Alisha Lehmann and Riola Xhemaili to erase the deficit, and the latter popped up at the nick of time to score the equaliser. Reuteler found some space at the edge of the box, and her low cross fell for Xhemail, who made no mistake to tap it home from close range. What a frantic finale!
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Xhemaili was undoubtedly the MVP of the match. Switzerland were down and out when she was brought on, and her decisive intervention, minutes from the final whistle, brought the roof down in Geneva. A super goal, from a super sub!
A dreadful moment from Calligaris handed Finland the lead. After a tangle on the byline, Koivisto had little room in which to operate, but the Juventus defender mistimed her tackle and the referee had little choice but to point to the spot. And Kuikka did the rest. However, the late goal from Xhemaili saved her skin in the end.
Switzerland will face the winners of Group B in the last eight on July 18. Spain are currently leading that group with six points and barring any upset, the Spaniards should emerge as the table-toppers.
