After a lengthy buildup, the Fifa Women’s World Cup finally gets under way in Dunedin tonight when the Swiss play the Philippines at the stadium.
The game poses as an exciting match-up as both teams have had an intriguing road to the World Cup.
The Swiss, ranked 20th in the world standings, failed to qualify for the 2019 World Cup, but make a welcome return, advancing this time after a 2-1 victory against Wales in extra time.
Meanwhile, the Philippines, ranked 46th, have been on the rise in the past year and are making their debut at the World Cup on our shores.
They arrived in Dunedin yesterday afternoon.
The Swiss have chosen to base themselves in Dunedin, training at Tahuna Park this week and exploring the city.
They visited the Dunedin Stadium for the first time yesterday — it will also be the first time for many playing at a covered stadium — and trained at Logan Park in the afternoon.
"Honestly, every time you put on the jersey and you walk out on to the pitch it’s very, very special," Bachmann said.
"You obviously play for your team, you play for yourself, you play for your family, but you also play for your country and there’s a lot of people watching at home and we want to make them proud."
Bachmann believed her team would build on their strengths and play aggressively with a touch of individual brilliance, too.
"I think this is what makes us a strong team.
"They don’t really know what’s coming.
"We have different weapons and hopefully we can bring that on the pitch [today]."
It would be her first time playing in a covered stadium.
She called Dunedin "amazing".
"Obviously now I have a special connection to here because we’re playing the World Cup here.
"But it’s very beautiful."
Fifa officials are expecting a crowd of about 20,000 for the game.
