In pursuit of victory, Switzerland and Norway engage in epic battle in women’s World Cup tie

The opening match between Switzerland and Norway for the second round of the Women’s World Cup, held in Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand, ended in a goalless draw. The Swiss goalkeeper, Thalmann, was the great protagonist of the game, shining with important defenses that held the Norwegian pressure.

The game

In the first half, the teams presented a balanced game, with a lot of marking and few scoring opportunities. The teams looked for space through the exchange of passes, but the defensive systems prevailed, resulting in only two good chances of goal in the initial stage.

In the second half, Norway grew in the match, seeking the necessary result to maintain its chances of qualifying. However, Thalmann’s inspired performance thwarted the Norwegian advances, with the Swiss goalkeeper making at least three crucial saves.

The best moments of the match. (Video: Playback/Youtube)

Goalkeeper Thalmann highlight of the Match

The match had highlights, such as Thalmann’s save after a cross in the area in the 22nd minute of the first half, a finish over the Norwegian goal by Piubel in the 30th minute of the first half, and another great save by the Swiss goalkeeper after a shot by Haug in the 9th minute of the second half.

With the result, Switzerland lost the chance to guarantee the isolated leadership of Group A, but still remains at the top with four points, one more than the host New Zealand. Norway, conquering its first point in the World Cup, remains at the bottom of the group and will need to beat the Philippines, in addition to rooting for a defeat of New Zealand, to advance to the round of 16.

In the next game, Switzerland will face New Zealand, and Norway will play against the Philippines. The matches are scheduled for Sunday (30), at 4 am (Brasília time).

_{Emilie Haavi, player from Norway, and Seraina Piubel, from Switzerland, in the emotional match at the Women’s World Cup. (Photo: Playback/Instagram – @fifawomensworldcup)}

DATASHEET

Switzerland 0 x 0 Norway

Competition: 2nd round of Group A of the Women’s World Cup

date and time: July 25, 2023, at 5 am (Brasília time)

Local: Waikato, in Hamilton, New Zealand

Arbitration: Stephanie Frappart

assistants: Manuela Nicolosi and Elodie Coppola

Public: 10,769 viewers

SWITZERLAND: Thalmann; Aigbogun, Riesen, Stierli and Maritz; Walti and Sow; Piubel (replaced by Terchoun), Reuteler (replaced by Terchoun) and Bachmann (replaced by Rey); Crnogorcevic. Technique: Inka Grings

NORWAY: Mikalsen; Bjelde (replaced by Engen), Mjelde, Harviken and Tuva Hansen (replaced by Saevik); Maanum, Risa (replaced by Lund) and Reiten; Eikeland (replaced by Caroline Hansen), Haavi and Haug (replaced by Sonstevold). Technique: Hege Riise.

Featured Photo: Switzerland and Norway draw 0-0, thanks to brilliant saves by goalkeeper Thalmann. Playback/UOL Sport