2023 World Cup Reviews: Norway vs Switzerland – disappointing draw leaves Norway fighting for World Cup survival
Former champions Norway are battling to remain in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Today’s game saw a disappointing goalless draw against Switzerland, which has left them at the bottom of Group A with just one more game to play.
Things didn’t start well for Norway as they suffered a surprising defeat against World Cup co-hosts New Zealand on the opening day. The loss meant they really needed to score today but couldn’t find the back of the net again.
Adding to their difficulties, their star player Ada Hegerberg, who has won the Champions League six times, was unexpectedly taken out of the game just before kick-off due to a reported groin injury during warm-up in Hamilton. The team’s other talented player, Caroline Graham Hansen, didn’t start the match either.
Norway had some opportunities during the game, with their captain Maren Mjelde missing a close-range chance, and a header by Sophie Haug, who replaced Hegerberg, being saved by the Swiss goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann.
Switzerland, who won 2-0 against the Philippines in their first match, also had their chances despite the wet playing surface. Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic shot narrowly over the goal after creating space, and Nadine Riesen’s cross was just barely kept out by Norway’s goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen.
In the second half, Haug forced another great save from Thalmann, and substitute Graham Hansen also had an attempt stopped, making it a very frustrating night for Norway, as they couldn’t find a way to break the deadlock.
To have any hope of advancing, Norway must win their final group game against the Philippines in Auckland on Sunday at 08:00 BST. Meanwhile, Switzerland, who are leading the group with four points, will face New Zealand in Dunedin at the same time.
Will Norway make it out the group stages?
It’s not looking good for Norway, despite being twice European champions, they are in danger of exiting the World Cup during the group stages.
Whilst the team looked better than during the New Zealand game, despite their attacking threat against Switzerland, they were still unable to score.
Norway face the Phillippines next – they must win to have any hope of making it to the next round, but it’s unclear how they will cope with a vibrant Philippines team.
Norway now have one point out of a potential six – with one more game to play.
Switzerland however are in a great position to qualify. They face New Zealand next and they’ll be confident of winning. Star player Lia Walti has looked lively in both games – in which they’ve bagged four points out of six – with one game left.
