Thrilling Showdown: Switzerland and New Zealand Battle to a Goalless Draw, Sending Co-hosts Home
Switzerland knocks co-hosts New Zealand out of the Women's World Cup on goal difference after a goalless draw in Dunedin
New Zealand, the co-host of the Women's World Cup, experienced a heartbreaking elimination on goal difference following a draw against Switzerland in Dunedin. In the meantime, Norway dominated the Philippines with a 6-0 victory in the other Group A match, held in Auckland on Sunday. This win pushed Norway to the same four points as New Zealand, but secured them second place due to a superior goal difference. As for Switzerland, they advanced to the last 16 as the group winners with a total of five points.
New Zealand caused a major upset by defeating Norway in their first game, but unfortunately, they suffered a defeat to the Philippines in their next match. As a result, they have become the first hosts of the Women's World Cup to be eliminated in the group stage. Despite the tremendous support from a nearly full crowd of 25,947, New Zealand displayed immense effort but were unable to find the crucial goal that would have allowed them to advance.
Switzerland initiated the game with an offensive approach, and midfielder Ramona Bachmann effortlessly evaded multiple defenders before her shot got blocked. However, they struggled to maintain their momentum as New Zealand gradually intensified the pace.
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Ana Maria Crnogorcevic (left) celebrates with Viola Calligaris as Switzerland confirm top spot
Jacqui Hand and Olivia Chance both struck the post, while Katie Bowen's shot was thwarted, as New Zealand intensified their efforts for an early goal and appeared to have the greater chance of scoring.
Following the interval, Switzerland exhibited more assurance, as Seraina Piubel sent a left-footed shot wide of the target and was eventually deemed offside. In contrast, New Zealand encountered difficulties in the attacking third.
Malia Steinmetz attempted a strike from the penalty area's edge, but it was saved. New Zealand grew more desperate in their attempts, with goalkeeper Victoria Esson even heading wide in the final minutes. However, Switzerland remained resilient and managed to secure a draw. Switzerland and Norway are set to compete against either Spain or Japan in the quarter-finals, depending on the outcome of their Group C decider on Monday.
What's next?
The last 16 match in Auckland on Saturday at 6am will feature Switzerland against either Spain or Japan, the Group C runners-up.What is the Women's World Cup schedule?
Running for a two-week period until August 3, the group stage has begun. From August 5 to August 8, the round of 16 will see the progression of the group winners and runners-up.The quarter-finals, to be held in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney, are slated for August 11 and 12. The initial semi-final will occur on August 15 in Auckland, while the second semi-final will take place on August 16 at Accor Stadium in Sydney, which will then be the venue for the final on August 20.
A third-place play-off will be played the day before the final on August 19 in Brisbane.
