Israel Women Lose 7:3 to Switzerland in World Cup Playoff First Leg

Israel's women's national football team suffered a heavy 7:3 defeat to Switzerland on Friday at the Városi Stadium in Nyíregyháza, Hungary, in the first leg of the 2027 World Cup qualifying playoffs. The return match will be hosted by the Swiss on Tuesday in Sion.

The Israeli players took to the pitch wearing black armbands in memory of the victims of the October 7 massacre. Despite reports of potential protests or a boycott by the Swiss side, the opponents respectfully observed the anthem and shook hands with the Israeli players.

The match featured non-stop action. Geraldine Reuteler gave the visitors the lead in the 14th minute before Talia Zomer took center stage. The Israeli star equalized in the 20th minute with a fine individual effort and completed a comeback in the 36th with a brilliant free kick. Iman Beney leveled the score right before halftime (45+1), and Sidney Schertenleib put Switzerland ahead again in the 47th minute, before Zomer sealed a remarkable hat-trick in the 53rd minute.

Unfortunately, it was not enough. Riola Xhemaili made it 4:3 in the 65th minute and added another with a spectacular bicycle kick seven minutes later. In stoppage time, Lia Kamber took advantage of a porous Israeli defense to score twice (90+1, 90+3), handing the clear favorites a commanding lead ahead of the second leg.