Just days before the start of UEFA Women's Euro 2025, the Swiss women's national soccer team is grappling with unexpected scrutiny - not due to injuries or tactical setbacks, but because of a striking 7-1 loss to a team of teenage boys.
The lopsided result came in a private training session against FC Luzern's Under-15 squad. While intended as a behind-closed-doors match, the outcome was thrust into the public eye when one of the youth players shared photos and comments on social media, inadvertently revealing what some have described as a "humiliating" result.
Key Points:
- The Swiss women's national team (ranked 23rd in the world) lost 7-1 to FC Luzern's U15 boys in a friendly match.
- A player's social media post disclosed the score, sparking widespread online commentary and ridicule.
- Alisha Lehmann, one of the team's most prominent figures, was heavily targeted in the aftermath.
- This happened months after Alisha Lehmann said she wants to be paid the same as the men.
The match, envisioned as a technical and physical test for both teams, spiraled quickly. By halftime, the boys were leading 3-1. Head coach Pia Sundhage made a full squad rotation at the break, but the U15s maintained their dominance, scoring four more goals in the second half.
Social Media Reaction and Public Scrutiny
Once the post surfaced online, critics quickly pounced. Comments ranged from sarcastic quips to pointed jabs about the state of women's football.
"Hope those boys were being paid the same as their competitors!" one user remarked sarcastically. Another added, "How embarrassing! The lads conceded a goal," before suggesting the teenage team "would stroll through and win" the Women's World Cup.
While much of the commentary was directed at the team as a whole, forward Alisha Lehmann bore the brunt of the attention. Known not only for her on-pitch talent but also for her advocacy of gender equality in sport, Lehmann is no stranger to public criticism. Her substantial online following of over 16 million has made her a frequent target in debates surrounding women's football.
In light of the recent result, some detractors revived familiar critiques about her appearance. "Probably was more worried about putting her makeup on and eyelashes before the game," one commenter wrote.
Lehmann has addressed such criticism before. "People always hate that I wear makeup when I play," she said during a podcast interview. "But I don't know what's the problem because I don't hurt anybody. Like, what's the problem?"
She remains firm in her stance, stating the negativity only strengthens her resolve: "The hatred does nothing but embolden me."
SFV Responds: "Don't Read Too Much Into It"
In response to the growing public attention, Swiss Football Association (SFV) spokesperson Sven Micosse urged restraint.
"These matches are standard practice," he explained. "The aim is to add a competitive element and focus on the physical aspect during this phase of preparation. Regardless of the score, these matches mirror our international games in terms of intensity and running demands."
Indeed, training against male youth teams is not uncommon in women's football. The matches are designed to enhance endurance, sharpen reflexes, and simulate match pressure. While the boys' raw physicality offers a robust challenge, women's teams often return the favor with their superior tactical organization and technical precision.
The Swiss team is far from the first to experience such a result. In 2017, the U.S. women's national team lost 5-2 to FC Dallas' U15 academy in a similarly private setting ahead of a fixture against Russia.
Looking Ahead to Euro 2025
Despite the recent headlines, the Swiss team remains focused on the upcoming European Championship, which kicks off July 2. They will open their campaign against Norway in Basel, following the tournament opener between Iceland and Finland.
While the outcome of the training match has sparked public debate, it remains, at its core, a routine part of elite team preparation. However, the unexpected publicity and the wave of online reaction have tested the resilience of the squad - and of its most visible players.
What do you think about the public reaction to the Swiss women's team loss to U15 boys?
Source: https://www.boredpanda.com/female-swiss-national-soccer-team-clobbered-by-u15-boys-team/
