Norway dropped to the bottom of Group A following a frustrating 0-0 draw with Switzerland in their second World Cup match. They had previously lost to co-hosts New Zealand in their opening game five days ago. This outcome puts the former world champions in a desperate situation, as they must win their final game against the Philippines to have any hope of advancing. Meanwhile, the Swiss are comfortably leading Group A with four points.
Amid speculation of a rift in camp following the unexpected 1-0 loss to New Zealand, Norway coach Hege Riise made a bold decision to exclude both Caroline Graham Hansen and Ingrid Engen from the starting XI. Reports suggested that players were unhappy with the tactical decision-making during the match.
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Norway's Caroline Graham Hansen, right, plays the ball next to Switzerland's Geraldine Reuteler
Barcelona's Graham Hansen entered the field just before the 60th minute, but did not have the desired impact. He did, however, manage to force a great save from Gaelle Thalmann, followed by Frida Maanum's unsuccessful attempt. The match was tense, with neither team creating clear-cut chances.
After Switzerland's 2-0 victory over the Philippines in their first Group A match, they only need a draw against New Zealand in their last game to advance to the knockout stages. On the other hand, Norway, who currently sit at the bottom of the group with one point, have failed to score in their last four matches at a major tournament. They must defeat the Philippines to maintain any faint hopes of progressing.
How the Swiss stood firm against troubled Norway
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Norway's Thea Bjelde, left, battles for the ball with Switzerland's Lia Walti
Norway was already facing difficulties. After losing their first tournament match and experiencing apparent tension among players and coaching staff, their situation worsened. Star forward Ada Hegerberg, who has 42 international goals, suffered a groin injury during the warm-up and had to be substituted by Sophie Roman Haug.
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Ada Hegerberg, on the left, sustained a groin injury during Norway's pre-match warm-up. Despite Switzerland initially having the advantage, Norway was able to regain their composure and create the most promising opportunity of the cautious first half. In the 25th minute, Haug unleashed a powerful header that was successfully saved by Thalmann.
Thalmann made another impressive save right after the restart, denying Roman Haug's powerful shot by tipping it behind.
Later, Riise brought in Graham Hansen, who was celebrating her 100th cap. It didn't take long for the forward to try and break the tie. She forced Thalmanni into a superb double save, denying both Graham Hansen and Maanum.
What's next?
On Sunday July 30, Group A will play their final matches. Switzerland will face off against the co-hosts New Zealand, while Norway will take on the Philippines.What is the schedule?
The group stage is currently underway and will continue for a two-week period, concluding on August 3. The teams that emerge as the winners and runners-up in each group will advance to the round of 16, which is scheduled to take place from August 5 to August 8.The quarter-finals are set to take place on August 11 and 12 in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney. Afterward, the first semi-final will be held on August 15 in Auckland, while the second semi-final will be held on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. The final match will also take place at the Accor Stadium on August 20.
A third-place play-off will be played the day before the final on August 19 in Brisbane.
