Switzerland Name 16-Year-Old Iman Beney in Women’s World Cup Squad
Switzerland have named 16-year-old Iman Beney in their squad for the Women’s World Cup, alongside Arsenal players Lia Walti and Noelle Maritz. Aston Villa forward Alisha Lehmann is also included in the 23-player squad for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, which starts on 20 July.
Midfielder Beney, who plays for Young Boys, made her senior Switzerland debut last week. She turns 17 on 23 July – two days after Switzerland play the Philippines in their opening game in Dunedin.
Switzerland Captain Lia Walti
Captain Walti, 30, makes the squad despite being being carried off on a stretcher in Arsenal’s 4-1 Women’s Super League win over Everton on 17 May. Walti has been an integral part of the Switzerland team since making her international debut in 2008. She has since gone on to make over 100 appearances for her country, captaining them to a bronze medal at the 2013 European Championship.
Switzerland’s Group A Fixtures
Switzerland will face the Philippines in their opening game in Dunedin on 25 July. They then play Norway, the 1995 world champions, in Hamilton on 25 July, before rounding off their Group A campaign against co-hosts New Zealand in Dunedin on 30 July.
Switzerland’s 23-Player Squad
Goalkeepers: Seraina Friedli (Zurich), Livia Peng (Levante), Gaelle Thalmann (Real Betis).
Defenders: Eseosa Aigbogun (Paris FC), Luana Buhler (Hoffenheim), Viola Calligaris (Levante), Laura Felber (Servette), Noelle Maritz (Arsenal), Lara Marti (Bayer Leverkusen), Nadine Riesen (Zurich), Julia Stierli (Zurich).
Midfielders: Iman Beney (Young Boys), Sandrine Mauron (Servette), Seraina Piubel (Zurich), Geraldine Reuteler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Marion Rey (Zurich), Coumba Sow (Servette), Lia Walti (Arsenal).
Forwards: Ramona Bachmann, (Paris St-Germain), Ana Maria Crnogorcevic (Barcelona), Fabienne Humm (Zurich), Alisha Lehmann (Aston Villa), Meriame Terchoun (Dijon).
Switzerland’s Hopes for the Women’s World Cup
Switzerland have never progressed beyond the group stage of the Women’s World Cup, but they will be hoping to make history this year with their young and talented squad. With the inclusion of 16-year-old Iman Beney, Switzerland will be looking to make a statement and show that they are a force to be reckoned with.
The inclusion of Arsenal players Lia Walti and Noelle Maritz will also be a huge boost for Switzerland’s chances. Both players have been integral parts of the team for many years and have a wealth of experience at the highest level.
Aston Villa forward Alisha Lehmann is another exciting prospect for Switzerland. Lehmann has been in excellent form for Aston Villa this season and will be looking to make an impact at the World Cup.
Conclusion
Switzerland have named an exciting and youthful squad for the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Led by captain Lia Walti, they will be looking to make history and progress beyond the group stage for the first time ever. With the inclusion of 16-year-old Iman Beney, Arsenal players Lia Walti and Noelle Maritz, and Aston Villa forward Alisha Lehmann, Switzerland have a squad full of talent and potential. The tournament starts on 20 July and it will be interesting to see how far Switzerland can go.