Norway, previous champions, are on the brink of an early exit from the Women’s World Cup, standing at the bottom of Group A with only one match remaining, following a draw against Switzerland.
A surprise loss to co-hosts New Zealand on the inaugural day of the tournament left Hege Riise’s team needing to bounce back. However, they failed to score in their second consecutive game.
Ada Hegerberg, Norway’s star player and six-time Champions League winner, was listed in the starting eleven but had to withdraw just before kick-off due to a suspected groin injury sustained during the warm-up in Hamilton. This came after another significant player, Caroline Graham Hansen, was omitted from the starting line-up.
This has left many questioning whether Norway is teetering on the edge of an early tournament exit, marred by disappointment and internal issues?
Opportunities to score were available to Norway, with a close-range shot from captain Maren Mjelde sailing over the goal, and a header from Sophie Haug – Hegerberg’s replacement – narrowly saved by Swiss goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann.
Switzerland, victorious in their first match against the Philippines with a score of 2-0, also had their share of scoring opportunities on the waterlogged pitch.
Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic narrowly missed a goal after opening up space, while Nadine Riesen’s unconventional cross was just barely kept out by Norwegian keeper Aurora Mikalsen.
In the second half, Haug forced another remarkable save from Thalmann, while substitute Graham Hansen’s attempt was deflected. This contributed to a night of high frustration for Norway as they failed to break through the Swiss defence.
In order to have a chance of progressing, Norway must secure a victory against the Philippines in their final group match in Auckland on Sunday (08:00 BST).
Concurrently, group leaders Switzerland, currently standing with four points, are set to face New Zealand in Dunedin.
For the latest updates from the 2023 Women’s World Cup, and to hear Kelly and Earps on the Women’s World Cup podcast…
Heading into the tournament, Norway was viewed as a dark horse, with potential to go far. However, the two-time European champions now face the possibility of a premature exit.
Despite an impressive qualification phase, where Riise’s team triumphed in nine out of their ten matches, Norway has struggled to replicate their success on the main stage – much like their performance at Euro 2022.
While their performance against New Zealand at Eden Park was lackluster, they posed more of an attacking threat against Switzerland, creating 12 scoring opportunities but failing to convert any into a goal.
Much to the surprise of their fans at the Waikato Stadium, Hegerberg, a Lyon forward and renowned goal scorer, walked down the tunnel just before the match began, despite warming up and appearing ready to play.
Switzerland, on the other hand, is in a strong position to advance to the last 16, following a performance characterized by hard work.
After finishing second to Italy in qualifying, they secured their place in the World Cup via a play-off victory over Wales. Confident of their capabilities, they look forward to facing New Zealand and advancing to the knockout stages for the second time.
Despite concerns over Lia Walti’s readiness for the tournament following a serious injury sustained while playing for Arsenal in May, she has shown good form in both matches, contributing to Switzerland’s strong start in New Zealand.
The player of the match was Lia Wälti from Switzerland, with an average rating of 7.09.
Key match statistics:
Home Team: Switzerland
Away Team: Norway
Possession: Switzerland 49%, Norway 51%
Shots: Switzerland 8, Norway 15
Shots on Target: Switzerland 1, Norway 5
Corners: Switzerland 2, Norway 7
Fouls: Switzerland 11, Norway 8
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Norway Women’s World Cup
Why is Norway at risk of an early exit from the Women’s World Cup?
Norway is at risk of an early exit due to their lackluster performance in the tournament so far. They drew 0-0 against Switzerland and lost their opening match to New Zealand, leaving them at the bottom of Group A with only one game remaining.
What happened to Ada Hegerberg during the game against Switzerland?
Ada Hegerberg, the six-time Champions League winner, was slated to start the match but had to withdraw just before kick-off. It was reported that she had suffered a groin injury during the warm-up in Hamilton.
Who are Norway’s upcoming opponents in the Women’s World Cup?
Norway’s upcoming opponent in their final group match of the Women’s World Cup is the Philippines. The match will be held in Auckland.
How did Switzerland perform in their first match of the Women’s World Cup?
Switzerland had a successful start to the tournament, winning their first match 2-0 against the Philippines.
Who was named the player of the match in the game between Norway and Switzerland?
The player of the match was Lia Wälti from Switzerland, with an average rating of 7.09.
More about Norway Women’s World Cup
- 2023 Women’s World Cup Standings
- Ada Hegerberg Career Highlights
- Previous Matches of Norway Women’s Team
- Switzerland Women’s Team Performance
- Lia Wälti Player Profile
6 comments
Norway’s performance is baffling this year, usually they’re more solid, what happened guys?
Can’t believe Norway’s in this position, such a strong team usually. Get well soon, Ada, we need u!
Switzerland vs New Zealand… that’s gonna be a match to watch! Might be the game that decides the group.
how come Graham Hansen didn’t make the startin lineup?? Riise needs to rethink her stratgies if they wanna have a chance.
Yea, that’s what I’m talking about! Go, Switzerland! Lia Walti, you’re a legend, girl!
oh man, Hegerberg’s injury is a big blow for Norway. Hope it’s not too serious 🙁