Switzerland picks 16-year-old midfielder Iman Beney in Women’s World Cup squad

GENEVA (AP) — Sixteen-year-old Iman Beney was picked in Switzerland’s squad Monday for the Women’s World Cup, solely three days after making her debut with the nationwide crew.

Beney, a midfielder with Swiss membership Young Boys, impressed Friday as a second-half substitute in a 3-3 draw in opposition to one other World Cup crew, Zambia.

She will flip 17 two days after Switzerland opens Group A in opposition to Philippines on July 21 in Dunedin, New Zealand. The group additionally contains event co-host New Zealand and Norway.

“We haven’t taken her only as a prospect,” Switzerland coach Inka Grings mentioned of Beney. “She can make an impression at the World Cup.”

Alongside Beney, 5 others within the 23-player squad have greater than 100 nationwide crew appearances: Barcelona winger Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic, Paris Saint-Germain ahead Ramona Bachmann, Real Betis goalkeeper Gaëlle Thalmann and Arsenal teammates Lia Wälti and Noelle Maritz.

Switzerland is taking part in at its second Women’s World Cup. In 2015, the Swiss superior from the group stage – profitable 10-1 in opposition to Ecuador – earlier than dropping to host Canada within the spherical of 16.

Switzerland has a closing preparation recreation at dwelling Wednesday in opposition to Morocco, one other crew going to the event in Australia and New Zealand.

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Switzerland squad:

Goalkeepers: Seraina Friedli (Zurich), Livia Peng (Levante), Gaëlle Thalmann (Real Betis)

Defenders: Eseosa Aigbogun (Paris FC), Luana Bühler (Hoffenheim), Viola Calligaris (Levante), Laura Felber (Servette), Noelle Maritz (Arsenal), Lara Marti (Bayer Leverkusen), Nadine Riesen (Zurich), Julia Stierli (Zurich)

Midfielders: Iman Beney (Young Boys), Sandrine Mauron (Servette), Seraina Piubel (Zurich), Géraldine Reuteler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Marion Rey (Zurich), Coumba Sow (Servette), Lia Wälti (Arsenal)