[ad_1]
At Waikato Stadium, Hamilton: Switzerland 0 Norway 0. HT: 0-0.
Group A points (games played): Switzerland 4 (2), New Zealand 3 (2), Philippines 3 (2), Norway 1 (2).
Switzerland and Norway shared the points in a frustrating 0-0 draw in Hamilton and both are still alive at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The point is better for the Swiss and less so for Norway, who lost star striker Ada Hegerberg seconds before kick-off in a confusing withdrawal on a wet Tuesday night.
She warmed up and was due to start. She even posed for the team photo with the starting XI after the national anthems. As the formalities were done, she was soon walking down the tunnel and didn’t line up in their attack for the first whistle.
In her post-match press conference after a draw that leaves Norway bottom of group A, coach Hege Riise said she didn’t know what happened or indicate if Hegerberg was injured or struggling with illness.
Abbie Parr/AP
Ada Hegerberg left the field for Norway only seconds before kick-off.
“There was communication early enough, so we could have an extra substitute,” Riise said.
“I haven’t spoken to the medical team. I don’t have an answer. I haven’t spoken to her. I’m not in a position to say anything.”
After the Football Ferns’ surprising 1-0 loss to the Philippines in Wellington earlier on Tuesday which threw group A wide open, Switzerland and Norway’s tense, desperate stalemate means all four teams can still make the knockout stages.
Norway missed Hegerberg, their former world player of the year renowned for finding the net. She watched from the bench instead.
As torrential rain hammered another sports event this year at Waikato Stadium, with 10,769 in attendance, both teams endeavoured to find a winner but lacked quality in front of goal.
Phil Walter/Getty Images
Hege Riise said in her press conference that she didn’t know what happened to Hegerberg.
Norway’s need for a victory was greater after their shock 1-0 loss to co-hosts New Zealand last Thursday.
The 1995 world champions were far better in their second match but were denied by several strong saves from Swiss keeper Gaëlle Thalmann, the player of the match.
The point for Switzerland keeps them top after they beat the Philippines 2-0 in Dunedin in their opener. They, too, pushed for a winner and could have struck had Ramona Bachmann, Seraina Piubel and Meriame Terchoun been more decisive with their final ball.
Phil Walter/Getty Images
Ada Hegerberg, far right, was in Norway’s team photo but disappeared down the tunnel moments later.
The Swiss meet the Football Ferns in Dunedin on Sunday when both will be fighting for a place in the last 16, as will Norway and the Philippines when they clash at Eden Park.
Vilde Bøe Risa and Frida Maanum were energetic in Norway’s midfield and tried to drive their team forward, but Swiss defender Julia Stierli was as equally solid as her keeper in repelling frantic Norwegian attacks.
Hegerberg’s absence proved to be significant after the Lyon striker was taken out of their starting XI about 30 seconds before kick-off.
Her late replacement, Sophie Roman Haug, troubled the Swiss with her height and presence but couldn’t convert her chances and was brought off for Karina Sævik in the 73rd minute.
In fact, Norway started without two of their star attackers, Hegerberg and Barcelona forward Caroline Graham Hansen, although the latter’s absence was forecast. It was the first time neither had started a World Cup match for Norway since 2011.
Graham Hansen had been struggling with a sore throat since their loss to the Football Ferns.
Abbie Parr/AP
Caroline Graham Hansen couldn’t make an impact off the bench.
She was introduced off the bench in the 57th minute but struggled to make an impact down the right wing, as well as wasting a good free-kick opportunity.
Hegerberg’s unusual departure overshadowed a scrappy contest.
It wasn’t clear why she pulled out, as the match kicked off in pouring rain in Hamilton.
After her late inclusion, Roman Haug had the first clear chance in the 24th minute with a free header that was beaten away by Thalmann.
Swiss forward Ana Maria Crnogorčević blasted a shot over the bar in a cagey first half with few openings.
There was little between the two European sides, who hadn’t met in six years until this crucial fixture, and neither looked happy at half-time, walking off sodden.
Another chance fell to Roman Haug after Norway started the second half strongly, but her half-volley was again saved by Thalmannm.
It was apt the inspired Swiss stopper had the final say, claiming a high ball as another Norway attack fizzled out.
Abbie Parr/AP
Swiss keeper Gaëlle Thalmann was named player of the match.
[ad_2]