Women’s World Cup: Norway difficult to advance, playing nil with Switzerland
Posted : 25 July 2023
Former Women's World Cup champions, Norway, are facing a tough challenge to advance in the tournament after being held to a draw by Switzerland, which leaves them at the bottom of Group A with one game remaining.
Norway, who suffered a surprising defeat against co-hosts New Zealand in the opening match, needed to bounce back, but they failed to find the net for the second consecutive game.
Adding to their woes, star player Ada Hegerberg, a six-time Champions League winner, was forced to withdraw from the match just before kick-off due to a reported groin injury sustained during the warm-up in Hamilton. This came after another key player, Caroline Graham Hansen, was also absent from the starting lineup.
Despite creating some opportunities, Norway couldn't convert them into goals. Captain Maren Mjelde missed a chance from close range, and Sophie Haug, who replaced Hegerberg, saw her header saved by Switzerland's goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann.
On the other side, Switzerland, who previously defeated the Philippines 2-0, had their own chances on the wet pitch, with Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic and Nadine Riesen coming close to scoring.
In the second half, Haug's attempt was once again denied by Thalmann, and substitute Graham Hansen's effort was pushed behind, but Norway remained frustrated as they couldn't break the deadlock.
To keep their hopes of advancing alive, Norway must secure a victory against the Philippines in their final group game in Auckland. Meanwhile, Switzerland, currently leading the group with four points, will face New Zealand in Dunedin at the same time.
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