Key events
Switzerland may be struggling to find the back of the net themselves but they are only one of three teams yet to concede a goal. Jamaica and Japan are the other two countries who have not yet conceded.
It is almost 5.30am in the UK where I am but I only managed to get a few hours sleep as my neighbours were being so loud! Have you got any annoying/funny neighbour stories? Get in touch and let me know via Twitter or email.
Switzerland manager Inka Grings has said: “It [attacking play] was something that we analysed intensively, we talked through with the team and [we will look to] also take the offensive players, assertive players, bring them more into the team. Of course we have to be more assertive in that run towards the goal.”
“These types of defeats leave a deep mark upon us,” Spain manager Jorge Vilda said on the Japan defeat. “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.” And on their opponents: “Switzerland have something very valuable, that in three games no-one scored a goal against them. That means that the defence is very solid.”
Spain have made five changes to the team who lost to Japan. Misa Rodriguez, Olga Carmona, Rocia Galvez, Mariona Caldentey and Alexia Putellas make way for Catalina Coll, Oihane Hernandez, Laia Codina, Esther Gonzalez and Alba Redondo. Some big calls in there!
Spain starting XI: Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Hernandez, Codina; Abelleira, Bonmati, Hermoso; Gonzalez, Redondo, Paralluelo.
The team news is in! Switzerland have made no changes from the team who drew with New Zealand in their final group match
Switzerland starting XI: Thalmann; Stierli, Maritz, Riesen, Aigbogun; Reuteler, Sow, Walti; Crnogorcevic, Bachmann, Piubel.
Spain news is here so stay tuned!
Preamble
Did you miss the World Cup action yesterday? I sure did and what a game we have on our hands to get things started up again. Switzerland v Spain is the first of eight last 16 matches and this, of course, is the start of knock-out football!
The excitement and tense edge to these fixtures will ooze over every part of the pitch. If we are level after 90 minutes we will head for extra time and then penalties. I can’t imagine we will see a goalless draw between these two sides but if it is eventually we will see a goal due to the nature of this stage.
Switzerland finished top of their group after recording a win and two draws. The team have not scored a goal since their opening match with their other two games ending 0-0. Spain, meanwhile, ended their group as runners-up and were thumped by Japan in their final match.
Japan beat Spain 4-0 which saw the former top the group. Spain have also registered wins over Zambia and Costa Rica. Despite their big loss to Japan, Spain will be the favourites to win this match but with how this World Cup has gone there is no telling what could happen!
The team news will be out shortly, stay tuned!
