Alisha Lehmann’s supporters were out in full force Friday during Switzerland’s 2-0 victory against the Philippines at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.
A fan in the stands at Dunedin Stadium had a request for the 24-year-old Lehmann ahead of Switzerland’s opening-round win, holding up a sign that read: “Alisha Lehmann can I get your [shirt].”
Switzerland will next face Norway on Tuesday as part of the group stage before taking on New Zealand on July 30.
Leading up to the tournament, Lehmann — who boasts more than 13 million followers on Instagram — expressed excitement about competing as she reflected on Switzerland’s Women’s World Cup appearance in 2015.
“I watched that tournament and thought to myself, ‘I desperately want to play in a Women’s World Cup.’ The anticipation is great now, of course. I’m very excited,” the Astor Villa forward said, according to FIFA.
Switzerland reached the knockout stage in 2015 before losing to Canada, 1-0.
Inka Grings, a former German soccer player and a UEFA Women’s EURO champion, is the manager of Switzerland’s national team, with Lehmann remarking how she’s brought a “winner’s mindset” to the squad.
“I think the coach has brought a German mindset over to us, a winner’s mindset,” Lehmann said.
“In the training sessions, she really looks at the details and I think that will really help us to progress.
“Ultimately, it’s basics, but if you look at the details then the end-product is better. So, for us there’s immense gratitude for having her as our coach. It is a privilege to be coached by her, especially at the Women’s World Cup.”
Shortly after Friday’s win, Lehmann took to her Instagram Stories to express gratitude over the support she’s received.
“Thanks for the support everyone,” she wrote.
