Key events
18 min: Haavi tries a back heel, potentially inspired by Brazil’s Ary Borges, but it’s a slick touch too far as it’s out of play. Sow almost gets to a good ball on the edge of the box but Norway come away with it. Walti then fouls Reiten.
16 min: Norway have a header wide and the team are really settling into this one. Harviken does really well up the other end to win the ball in the box to stall a threat.
14 min: Norway have a corner and Boe Risa takes it. Stierli heads away and the chance is gone. Bachmann is fouled by Mjelde and Switzerland can relieve some pressure. But not for long, Norway come through with Maanum but she is crowded out just enough.
12 min: Piubel pings it in but Norway are able to deal with it, it is the wing threat that is hurting Norway so far. More news on Hegerberg, it is not feeling unwell but an injury during the last warm-up. Such a blow for the team.
10 min: Haavi shouts for a foul but the referee does not give it. Piubel comes away with the ball, Bachmann crosses in but Crnogorcevic heads clear. Such a lively start from Switzerland.
8 min: It is Haug who has replaced Hegerberg by the way – wanted to make sure I was 100% certain before reporting. Sow gets a shot blocked, they get back into the box and it pinballs around! Sow has a punt but it’s blocked and Norway eventually clear.
6 min: Possession exchanging hands quickly, such a fragmented start to this game. Piubel wins the ball in a good spot and Switzerland manage to get it into the box but it’s cleared.
4 min: Both teams settling into this one, Norway will be a bit shaken with Hegerberg off before kick-off.
2 min: Everyone seems as baffled as me that Hegerberg has gone to the dressing room. It seems she has been replaced – she didn’t look injured but reports suggest she did not feel well ahead of kick-off.
Kick-off! Switzerland 0-0 Norway
Here we go! Will Norway get their first win of the tournament? Or can Switzerland continue their perfect start? We will soon find out. Hegerberg was shown heading down the tunnel ahead of kick-off – I will update you as soon as I know why.
The anthems have been sung, the warm-up jackets are off and the game is ready to go. What are your predictions for this one? The rain is coming down!
The players will be out shortly! Norway are now the only nation in the group who do not have any points – they need to at least draw today.
Look at those celebrations, what a first win at a World Cup means:
This has been a ground-breaking tournament and also a history making one:
Another day and another penalty at this World Cup! Columbia beat South Korea earlier today 2-0 with a spot kick involved. To see how that one played out, read the report:
The Philippines have beaten co-hosts New Zealand! The bench sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate and Switzerland will be doing the same as they remain top of the table!
And a bit on Switzerland’s star player: “Bachmann or Alisha Lehmann may be better known and Crnogorcevic more successful, but the most important player is the captain, Lia Wälti – on and off the pitch. She has an outstanding understanding of the game and has great authority as a leader. As early as 2015 Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, the current Germany coach, said she had the potential to be a world-class player at that year’s World Cup and although it took her a bit longer to reach that status she is there now. She moved to Arsenal in 2018 and immediately won the Women’s Super League title. Despite an ankle injury in May she is expected to be captain for the opening game against the Philippines.” Read the full guide:
Here’s a fun fact from our New Zealand guide: “Striker Hannah Wilkinson is not only the squad’s go-to guitarist and sing-along leader, she is a talented mural artist who uses art to escape from the pressures of being an elite athlete. To mark three women’s World Cups being held in New Zealand within two years (cricket, rugby and football), she was commissioned to create a mural at Eden Park – venue for several World Cup matches. “It was amazing, such a cool experience,” she said.” Read the full guide:
It’s coming up to 8.30am here in the UK and I really want to order breakfast but I went out for dinner last night – it feels as though I cannot get food from elsewhere again! If you could order some food right now what would it be? I would love a bacon butty!
New Zealand and the Philippines – the other nations in this group – are currently in action. The co-hosts are losing 1-0 after Sarina Bolden scored in the first half. Keep up to date with the rest of the game:
The team news is in! Switzerland make one change to their starting squad from the opening game with Riesen in for Buehler.
Switzerland starting XI: Thalmann; Aigbogun, Riesen, Stierli, Maritz; Walti, Sow, Reuteler; Piubel, Crnogorcevic, Bachmann
Norway, meanwhile, have dropped Carolina Graham Hansen to the bench. She is one of three changes following their opening defeat to New Zealand. Haavi, Boe Risa and Eikeland join the starting line-up.
Norway starting XI: Mikalsen; Bjelde, Mjelde, Harviken, T Hansen; Boe Risa, Maanum, Reiten; Eikeland, Hegerberg, Haavi
Preamble
Good morning, afternoon or evening depending where you are reading from! Well what a match we have on our hands in group A, Switzerland and Norway.
Switzerland won their opening match against the Philippines but Norway suffered a shock defeat to Norway. Norway were hoping to recover from their Euro 2022 early exit but after losing their first match they need to gain at least a point from the match against Switzerland.
Reports suggest Carolina Graham Hansen won’t be in the starting squad for today’s match. It would be a bold call after she had such a strong season with Barcelona, being a key part to their Women’s Champions League win.
The team news will be released shortly so stay tuned for updates ahead of kick-off in an hour’s time. I’ll also bring you news from the other match in group A that has already taken place on day five of the tournament.
