Switzerland

For the first time, Switzerland have qualified for a Women’s EHF EURO. In Ljubljana, the team led by Danish head coach Martin Albertsen will face defending champions Norway, Hungary, and Croatia in what appears to be one of the strongest groups.

Ultimately, 6 March 2022 became a historic day for Swiss handball. After opponents Russia had been excluded from their qualification group following the country’s invasion of Ukraine, Switzerland ‘only’ needed to beat Lithuania to finish second and qualify for the final tournament. After they had won in Lithuania 36:30, they also won the decisive home game, despite the obvious pressure, easily 34:18.

Seven players of the EHF EURO squad play in strong foreign competitions – either in Germany or Denmark – and significantly improved their performance, and the performance of the national team.

After the draw, Albertsen called the group “a Goliath task” for Switzerland. “I have a plan with my team. Tactically we are already at a good level, now we have to improve physically and technically in order to maybe create a surprise,” said Albertsen, who has the highest respect for defending and record champions Norway – an opponent Switzerland lost 41:18 against in a qualifier four years ago.

“They will play for gold alongside Denmark and France,” said Albertsen, who expected opponents Hungary to receive wide support in Ljubjlana from their fans.

The most experienced player of the Swiss squad is goalkeeper Manuela Brütsch, all-time record holder with 153 games. With Lea Schüpbach, she was the all-Swiss goalkeeper duo at German side HSG Bad Wildungen before Schüpbach joined Metzingen.

Back court players Lisa Frey, Daphne Gautchi and Charlotte Kähr also play in the German Bundesliga, while top star and best scorer of the current squad, Viborg HK’s Kerstin Kündig, is one of two players from Danish clubs, alongside Chantal Wick (København).

Read more about Swiss team HERE.