Women’s World Cup: Switzerland open with win over debutants Philippines

Switzerland have started their Women’s World Cup campaign with a win over debutants the Philippines.

Ramona Bachmann’s spot kick and Seraina Pubel’s second-half strike gave the Swiss a 2-0 win to go top of Group A on goal difference.

It was 46th-ranked Philippines who thought they had gone ahead though when Katrina Guillou struck in the 16th minute but the goal was ruled out for offside.

That disallowed goal seemed to be a wake-up call for Switzerland though. Geraldine Reuteler and Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic both went close.

They did get their breakthrough before half time though after Coumba Sow was fouled by Jessika Cowart. Former Chelsea striker Bachmann stepped up to find the bottom left corner from the penalty spot.

Switzerland dominated the second half and doubled their lead in the 64th minute. Olivia McDaniel pulled off a double save to keep out Crnogorcevic and Sow but the ball fell kindly for Piubel to tap in.

The Swiss meet Norway next, who are needing to bounce back from their opening day loss to co-hosts New Zealand.

Cover Photo: Free Switzerland flag photo” is marked with CC0 1.0 .