Switzerland 0-0 Norway: Goalless draw leaves former winners facing must-win final game to avoid Women’s World Cup exit
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ByEurosport
Updated 25/07/2023 at 11:56 GMT
Despite coming into the tournament expected to top Group A at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Norway could be heading home early following a 0-0 draw with Switzerland to leave them with just one point from their two opening matches. The 1995 world champions must now beat Philippines in their final match.
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Norway drew 0-0 against Switzerland in Group A at the Women’s World Cup to leave their chances of qualifying in serious doubt.
Norway had lost to New Zealand in their first match but Switzerland beat the Philippines, putting the pressure on the former world champions to claim victory on Tuesday in Hamilton.
Conditions were difficult with heavy rain from the start, and there was further disruption for Norway from the start after Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg walked off before kick off as she felt a problem with her groin, to be replaced by Sofie Roman Haug.
Haug had the best chance of the first 45 when her powerful header was saved well, while Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic flashed wide for Switzerland in a tight opening period.
In the second half, Norway pressed but a string of Gaelle Thalmann stops kept the Scandinavians at bay, with the Swiss unable to press effectively for the win.
The draw leaves both sides with plenty to do in the final match, with Norway to play the Philippines and Switzerland facing New Zealand in perhaps their toughest match of the group.
Player of the match Gaelle Thalmann (Switzerland)
A decent performance from both sides, but Gaelle Thalmann stands out as the difference. A number of important saves kept her side in it when they were under pressure, until Norway simply ran out of steam.
Player ratings
Norway: Mikalsen 6, Bjelde 6, Mjelde 7, Harviken 6, T Hansen 6, Boe Risa 6, Maanum 6, Reiten 6, Eikeland 5, Roman Haug 6 , Haavi 6. Subs: Saevik 6, Sonstevold 6, Lund 6, Engen 6.
Switzerland: Thalmann 8, Stierli 6, Maritz 6, Reuteler 6, Riesen 6, Pieube 6l, Aigbogun 6, Walti 6, Crnogorcevic 7, Bachmann 7, Sow 6. Subs: Mauron 6, Terchoun 6, Rey 6.
Key events
14’ - ROMAN HAUG HEADER - Haavi sends in a cross from deep for Roman Haug, but her header is from the edge of the box and is both slow and off target, but not by much.
24’ - ROMAN HAUG HEADER - The best chance of the game so far! Roman Haug towers over the defenders and connects well with a header that Thalmann does well to beat away.
32’- CRNOGORCEVIC CHANCE - Crnogorcevic is slipped in on the inside right and she whistle a shot at the near top corner that rises high and wide.
50’ - MJELDE CHANCE - Mjelde heads down and to the far post with a header from a corner, but it loses pace as it bounces and is stopped by Thalmann.
57’ - THALMANN SAVE - The Swiss 'keeper has hurt her left hip in the process, she moves late to push away Roman Haug’s powerful volley.
75’ - HANSEN EFFORT - Hansen hits the best shot of the game from the edge of the box but Thalmann is alive to the threat and down quickly to her left.
Key stat
Norway are yet to score a goal in the 2023 Women's World Cup
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