Despite the 3:5 defeat against the Czech Republic at the home tournament in Zurich, captain Andrea Glauser and national coach Patrick Fischer agree: "That was a step in the right direction."
13.12.2025, 22:28
SDA
"If it were now the World Cup or the Olympic Games, I would of course be very disappointed," said Fischer after the defeat against the Czechs, who are Switzerland's third and final preliminary round opponents in the Olympic tournament in Milan on February 15. "Today we are in a preparation phase. What was important for me was the team's playful reaction compared to the opening game against Sweden. We took control of the game right from the start, that suits us and that's what we have to do."
After the 2:3 after penalties against a strong Sweden, the national coach criticized the lack of intensity on Thursday. This was clearly noticeable against the Czech Republic. Switzerland equalized a deficit three times, thanks in part to the conspicuous second forward line with Calvin Thürkauf, the two-goal scorer, and Damien Riat, who set up the two goals for 1:1 and 3:3. The duo impressed not only with their goalscoring ability, but also with their physical presence.
Ice-cold punishment for mistakes
Ultimately, details were decisive. "The Czech Republic are a very opportunistic team. They don't need many chances," Fischer analyzed. "We made one or two mistakes in the defensive zone, in terms of coordination." They took advantage of these with ice-cold precision, including the winning goal by former Ambri forward Filip Chlapik a good four minutes before the end, who was not tackled consistently enough in the slot.
Captain Andrea Glauser was annoyed about the defeat: "It hurts that we lost. I have the feeling that we were the better team today," said the defender. "Luck wasn't on our side, that's sport. I'm happy with the reaction after losing the opening game - it was a step in the right direction. On the other hand, we're here to win."
A win, but not at any price
Despite the second home defeat, Fischer drew a positive conclusion. "Our goal is to have a good feeling after this week. The result is not what we want, but we took a big step forward today." Also with a view to the Olympic selection, which must take place by the end of the year. "We are one step further in the selection process. Things are crystallizing."
At the end of the home tournament, Switzerland will face Olympic champions Finland on Sunday. "We're not going to hide, we're going to attack," announced Glauser. Fischer added: "Of course we want to end the tournament with a win. But to be honest: I'd rather lose tomorrow and we play very, very well than have a bad game and win happily."
