Lia Walti became the third Arsenal player to captain her country in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as Switzerland beat Philippines to get their tournament underway in Group A.

Walti’s Arsenal teammate Noelle Maritz started at left-back, where she regularly features for her country, and was able to swing in some pinpoint crosses cutting in onto her fight foot. Walti was in her usual role at the base of Switzerland's midfield and was able to show her quality on the ball throughout.

Switzerland were afforded the chance to take the lead just before half time when Jessika Cowart was adjudged to have fouled Coumba Sow in the penalty area. Ramona Bachmann dispatched the spot-kick into the bottom corner, before the Swiss made it two through Seraina Pubel twenty minutes into the second half to go top of Group A.

After being on the wrong end of a horror tackle and stretchered off in Arsenal’s win over Everton in May, Walti was able to make a remarkably swift recovery in time to lead her country Down Under, joining Arsenal clubmates Katie McCabe and Steph Catley in wearing the armband at this summer’s World Cup. Walti was substituted after 75 minutes, coming through her first full game back from injury unscathed, whilst Maritz received a yellow card late on.

Lia Wälti vs The Philippines pic.twitter.com/INQEUXqDbL

— Laura Veen Comps Specialist (@veencomps) July 21, 2023

In the earlier kick-off, new Arsenal signing Cloé Lacasse was introduced from the bench at half time as Canada drew 0-0 with Nigeria. Goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo watched on amongst the substitutes as Bev Priestman’s side were held to an entertaining draw in Melbourne, with Canada’s Christine Sinclair seeing her penalty saved in the second half.

Lacasse played on the right wing for the entirety of the second half but largely did not see too much of the ball, having just one shot on goal which was blocked. Canada will take on Katie McCabe’s Ireland up next in a crucial game for both sides in Group A.