The Japan Times - Fan energy key for Swiss in Euros clash with Spain, says Maritz

The Swiss host Spain in Bern on Friday trying to reach the last four of a major international women's tournament for the first time, and will be backed by enthusiastic fans at the Wankdorf Stadium.

"There is a positive energy which we've taken from the previous matches... we lived up to the challenge and we were confident, we believe in ourselves," Aston Villa defender Maritz told reporters.

"It's really indescribable, we all expected to have a positive atmosphere, but playing in such a big stadium in front of so many people is really special. The energy of the fans really pushes you on.

"It was a really special moment when we equalised against Finland (to qualify from Group A) and could see the crowd cheering us. It was great to share such a unique experience with our fans. I also think the fans will give us lots of energy tomorrow."

Switzerland have a huge task on their hands against Spain, who rattled in 14 goals in their three Group B matches, but have less pressure to win than their opponents who are favourites to lift the trophy later this month.

"I think the pressure comes from inside now... we have a chance, and it's a quarter-final," said coach Pia Sundhage.

"We played five against five today (in training), just a couple of minutes, and we were standing like this and saying: 'this is so much better than it was just a couple of weeks ago'.

"And I think part of that is that we are able to deal with the pressure, because it has been a lot of pressure."

The winner of Friday's match will play one of France or Germany in the semi-finals, in Zurich on Wednesday.

S.Fujimoto--JT