Thank you for joining me for this match. The result means the group is wide open with any of the four teams able to progress in the final round of group games. Hegerberg’s injury is one of the headlines from this but Thalmann’s saves were a class above. Read the report below and we will be back with live coverage of the tournament tomorrow:
Here are some of Thalmann’s great saves, her best coming with Maanum’s strike (the clip is form ITV so everyone may not have access). This is the keeper’s last tournament as she will be retiring after the World Cup:
Gaelle Thalmann is keeping #SUI in this game, remarkable performance 🙌#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/vBzJ1RZgzE
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 25, 2023
Hegerberg was the big injury in this game but there have been a few over the tournament including Australia captain Sam Kerr. It has been said she will get some game time at the tournament:
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The other result in this group saw the Philippines grab a shock win which has blown the group wide open! Read the action:
If Hegerberg started the match do you think she would have converted a chance for Norway? Let me know your thoughts!
Juno has got in touch and said: “Being a Swiss football supporter I find their performance today pleasing. During the previous match, they became sloppy after scoring their 2 goals. Today they played a lot better throughout the match and showed as much consistency as I could have hoped for after their previous match. It is not good that their performance is so on-off but when they needed it today they played well. Bachmann especially because she was always pressing and I was sad to see her go off in the final few minutes. The goalkeeper too was astonishing, her performance was truly excellent especially the save with her leg. Other members of the team have also played better and I am glad to see improvement in their style.” They definitely played well, Thalmann especially. She was fantastic at the Euros last summer and is proving her weight in gold yet again.
Full-time! Switzerland 0-0 Norway
Well the result means Norway have a point and a slim chance of getting out of this group. Switzerland will be happy to come away with the draw after Thalmann, who I think should be player of the match, made some cracking saves! The group remains wide open with anyone able to progress but Norway are at the bottom.
90 + 3 min: Another poor pass from Norway, their standards have slipped in the last few minutes. Crnogorcevic gets a shot but Mikalsen collects – so close!
90 + 1 min: There will be four minutes added here.
90 min: Maanum hits the ball straight out of play, it seems this game may not see a goal after all!
89 min: Norway makes two more changes with Bjelde and Boe Rise off for Lund and Engen. Switzerland also make a change with Piubel off for Terchoun.
88 min: Bachmann passes to Piubel in the box but Harviken does really well to take the umph out of the ball and Mikalsen can collect.
87 min: Graham Hansen is over the free kick once again but she lofts the ball over the bar. She looks quite frustrated with that effort, her first free kick was much better.
85 min: Haavi wins a free kick on the edge of the box. Graham Hansen takes but it is initially cleared, Mjelde is then fouled on the edge of the box and there is another free kick!
84 min: Sow crosses it in and it’s across goal – if a Swiss player was there to react that would have been a goal! Both teams edging closer to a breakthrough but time is running out. Maanum crosses to GRaham Hansen but she can’t control it and Switzerland counters. Crnogorcevic gets to the edge of the box but Harviken defends well.
82 min: Sonstevold tries to keep the ball in play but can’t do so and it’s a Switzerland goal kick.
80 min: Reuteler is off for Mauron for Switzerland. Haavi’s cross into the box is poor and out for a goal kick.
78 min: Haavi does well to win a corner with some clever footwork. It’s pinged in but Thalmaan punches away, it comes to Boe Risa but her shot is over the bar. Norway are all over this match but their execution isn’t clinical enough.
76 min: Here come Switzerland again but a one two from Bachmann doesn’t come off this time. A lovely bit of play from Norway, particularly from Graham Hansen whose shot is saved and Thalmaan makes another save from Maanum! The keeper keeping her team in this. Norway have a corner but it is headed away.
74 min: Norway make more changes with Haug and T Hansen off for Saevik and Sonstevold.
72 min: This game has been injected with energy and it is end-to-end at the moment. Reuteler does well to win it and Switzerland have good build-up. It comes to Reuteler again outside the box and she takes a shot but Mikalsen collects.
70 min: Piubel finds a way into the box but she is swarmed. It comes to Riesen who rifles off a long range shot but Mikalsen collects. T Hansen is taken out on the edge of the box but it is a great challenge from Sow and she only concedes a corner. It’s in but Crnogorcevic heads clear.
68 min: Graham Hansen makes a good run into the box but she is crowded out by three Switzerland players. They then counter, Crnogorcevic makes a huge break but her cross into the box is cleared. This game is breaking up now, a goal could come from anyone!
66 min: Bachmann cannot find a way through and Switzerland are pushed back to their own keeper. They have a great build up and Bachmann makes a great run, she has a shot but it’s just wide! Hegerberg’s injury has been confirmed as a groin problem: “National team doctor Trygve Hunemo says that Ada Hegerberg felt a sensation in her groin during the last sprint during the warm-up,” team press officer Halvor Lea said.”
64 min: Graham Hansen pings a ball into the box, Thalmann gets a touch to it to take it away from the Norwegian players in the box.
62 min: Bjelde can’t keep the ball in play and the referee is speaking to Switzerland manager Grings – she keeps shouting at the officials so I think the referee just gave her a warning.
60 min: Stierli takes the corner but it sails just over Sow’s head.
59 min: Graham Hansen wins her 100th cap for Norway today – can she top off the milestone with a goal? For now she will have to deal with a Switzerland threat with Bachmann having a great one two with Sow. It’s cleared for a corner.
58 min: Thalmaan looks okay to contimue here. Norway make a change with Eikeland off for Graham Hansen.
56 min: Maanum takes too long over the ball, Stierli defended well but the Arsenal star should have taken a shot sooner. WHAT A SAVE! Reiten gets it in the box but it’s initially cleared, Haug gets a strike to it and Thalmann has great relexes to stop that. – she needs some treatment after the effort.
54 min: Reiten frustrated as she seems to be blocked but play continues.
52 min: Boe Risa is down here and she looks in some pain, she doesn’t need treatment and is okay to continue – a relief for Norway.
51 min: Sow does well to challenge Haavi just as she is about to cross into the box, she concedes a corner though. Reiten takes and Mjelde gets a head to it but Thalmann saves.
49 min: Norway get it in the box again but Haug can’t get a good shot as she slips. It comes to Maanum with her shot wide. Hegerberg is sat on the bench watching on so hopefully her injury isn’t too serious.
47 min: Norway blast a shot immediately through Eikeland but Thalmann saves.
Back underway! Switzerland 0-0 Norway
So can a team find a breakthrough? We will soon find out.
Take a look at the report for the other match in this group:
Hegerberg’s injury did shake Norway to start and Switzerland had the upper hand throughout the opening stages. But once Norway found their shape and Haug got into the match they looked deadly. It will be an interesting second 45!
Half-time! Switzerland 0-0 Norway
What a half! Hegerberg was a late change with Haug coming on for Norway and the forward had the best chance of the half with a storming header – well saved by Thalmann. Despite the drama the deadlock remains.
45 + 1 min: Norway’s defensive set is impressive as Bachmann got to the edge of the box but they crowded her out and they have been forced back to halfway. There will be one minute added.
45 min: Switzerland have some nice play and get it to Aigbogun but she is judged offside. Norway threaded a great ball but Eikeland fouls and she gifts it to Switzerland – frustrating as they were building well.
43 min: Reiten fouls Sow, the Chelsea player looks perplexed by the call but it was the right one to make. Possession is pinging around the pitch at the moment, the fluidity of the match just stuttering.
41 min: Reiten is fouled by Reuteler and Norway have a free kick in a good position. Reiten takes it but Walti heads it clear.
40 min: Poor ball forward from Eikeland sees it out for a goal kick. The urgency of the attack has gone from the game at the moment.
38 min: Boe Risa has a loose pass and Switzerland are able to set up an attack. They take the pace out of the game with a lot of build-up in the midfield but it ends with Sow fouling Haavi.
36 min: Haug gets gingerly back to her feet after that challenge, that is not something Norway needs but she is okay to continue.
34 min: Piubel threads a good ball to Crnogorcevic but her shot is over the bar. Walti passes to Reisen and her shot is huge! It was going to hit the bar and go over but it troubled Mikalsen enough for her to tip it over. Crnogorcevic takes the corner but there’s a foul in the box and the chance is gone.
32 min: A ball comes in from Haavi but Haug can’t get enough on it and it’s wide. Norway are the stronger side at the moment after Switzerland started so brightly.
30 min: Reiten loses out on the ball to Sow who clears but Norway quickly gather. They play it back to Mikalsen and they launch another attack.
28 min: Norway are putting an attack together once again, they are being patient over the ball – definitely have grown into this after losing such a big part of their team in Hegerberg.
26 min: Harviken passes to Mjelde but her next pass has too much on it.
25 min: Maanum gets a thundering cross in, what a ball! Haug rises highest and she gets a head to it, Thalmann makes a great save to deny her!
24 min: Eikeland wins a corner and it’s taken by Reiten. It’s a good delivery and Mjelde get a shot but it is way over the bar.
22 min: It must be disruptive for both teams having Hegerberg leave ahead of kick-off. Norway are without their star and Switzerland would have prepped for her to be in the team. Piubel tries to unleash Bachmann but the play is read well and cleared.
20 min: Haavi takes a long range strike but it takes a deflection off of her teammate and is out.
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:
History made. ✅@PilipinasWNFT secure their first #FIFAWWC win and Group A is wide open! 🇵🇭
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 25, 2023
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 New Zealand. 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.
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