A Devastating Blow for Player and Team
"I am deeply saddened to miss the Euro, especially here in Switzerland," Bachmann stated, expressing her profound disappointment. The injury occurred without any contact from another player, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such setbacks.
At 34 years old, the Houston Dash player is a pivotal figure for the Swiss national team. Her impressive record of 60 goals in 153 international appearances places her second on Switzerland's all-time scoring and caps lists, only behind her teammate Ana-Maria Crnogorčević. Bachmann has been a cornerstone of the Swiss squad, having represented her country at two World Cups and two previous European Championships. Her absence will undoubtedly be keenly felt by coach Pia Sundhage and the entire team.
A Recurring Issue in Women's Football
Bachmann's injury adds her name to a growing list of star players in women's soccer who have suffered ACL tears ahead of major tournaments. This recurring issue has prompted concern across the sport, with a study into the causes of such injuries already launched in England to better understand and mitigate the risks.
Euro 2025 is scheduled to kick off on July 2, with host Switzerland, under the guidance of coach Pia Sundhage, facing Norway in Basel. The Swiss team is part of Group A, which also includes Finland and Iceland. Sundhage, a highly respected coach who previously led the United States to two Olympic titles, has publicly identified a lack of goals as a pressing concern for her team, noting that they have been shut out in six of their past eight games. Bachmann's prolific scoring ability would have been crucial in addressing this challenge. Her unexpected absence will now necessitate a strategic re-evaluation for the Swiss side as they prepare to compete on home soil.