Spain manager Jorge Vilda wants to see his squad put their brutal loss to Japan behind them as they look forward to a huge match against Switzerland in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup knockout round.
Spain came into the World Cup as a favorite to win the whole thing. They kicked things off with easy victories over Costa Rica and Zambia.
However, they ended up finishing in second place in Group C after an embarrassing 4-0 loss to Japan.
Japan with a sensational 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup group stage performance 🇯🇵
Rewatch its dominant 4-0 victory over Spain in our 90' in 90" ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/bASdW5paM9
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 31, 2023
“These types of defeats leave a deep mark upon us,” Vilda said Friday. “But they are also necessary in the evolutionary development of the team and process of growth. We haven’t forgotten about it and we will not forget about it.”
Spain gets a tough test in Switzerland, which won Group A. They also have yet to give up a goal in the 2023 World Cup.
“Switzerland have something very valuable, that in three games no-one scored a goal against them. That means that the defense is very solid,” Vilda said.
The winner of that match will go on to face the winner of Netherlands vs. South Africa on Friday. Expect it to be an extremely hard-fought and well-played match for the right to advance.
[BBC]
