A scintillating encounter is on the horizon when Zambia takes on Switzerland. Despite a series of catastrophic performances leading up to the global showpiece, Zambia will hope for a victory.
The Copper Queens have not been at their best against World Cup-bound opposition. However, they are up against a team that has gone winless in its last five games, drawing three times and losing twice.
Switzerland who will be going to the World Cup for the second time after appearing in the 2015 edition, will equally aim to win.
Zambia’s pre-World Cup European tour kicked off with a 3-2 loss to the Republic of Ireland last week.
They will be looking for redemption after losing five of their last eight games. In those matches, they have only won three times and conceded 15 goals.
Their defense has remained disastrous, allowing goals with ease. Many fans will be hoping for a different result in tonight’s game, with coach Bruce Mwape stating that he is working on the team’s defense and expects a better result.
“What we are actually working on how to defend as a team,” stated Mwape. “We dont want to necessarily leave the problem for the defenders. We are trying everything possible that it [conceding goals] shouldn’t actually happen in all the games.”
FAZ has strengthened the technical bench with physical trainer Jamie Lawrence, a video analyst, in an attempt to improve the squad.
A month ago, Lisa Cole was also another addition to the backroom staff as a technical advisor.
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After tonight’s match, coach Mwape will be expected to name his final 23-member squad for the World Cup.
The Copper Queens will conclude their European camp with a game against two-time world champions Germany in Furth on July 7 before heading to Australia for the World Cup.
