Switzerland and New Zealand go into Group A matchday No 3, with the chance to progress to the round of 16. The Swiss took four points from six and lead Group A.
Women’s World Cup co-host New Zealand took three points from the opening six and are second in the group thanks to goal difference.
Ferns on 🔥 in training 🌿#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/xIFQSabtKg— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) July 27, 2023
Ferns on 🔥 in training 🌿#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/xIFQSabtKg
New Zealand shocked Norway, the team many fans expected to win the group, on matchday No 1. Hannah Wilkinson’s second-half goal was the only score of the match.
The Football Ferns then disappointed in their second match, losing to the Philippines 1-0. Despite dominating the game, New Zealand conceded a first-half goal.
It was the Philippines' only shot on target during the match. New Zealand scored in the second half, but the goal was ruled offside.
New Zealand posted 69% possession and 16 shots against the Philippines. The Swiss will be a far more difficult team for the Football Ferns to overcome.
Switzerland defeated the Philippines to start the Women’s World Cup 2-0. Goals on either side of halftime led them to victory. A nil-nil draw against Norway followed.
The Swiss were outplayed for large parts of the game by Norway and were holding on by the end.
New Zealand will fancy their chances of defeating Switzerland. The Swiss won just one of their last nine games. Six of those fixtures ended as draws.
Each of Switzerland’s last three games ended with 2.0 goals or under. The Swiss were held scoreless in two of those games.
The Football Ferns won just two of their last 11 games in all tournaments. Eight of those matches ended in defeat. New Zealand’s 1-0 win over Norway was a shock result.
However, with Norway continuing to underachieve, the Football Ferns’ result isn’t too surprising.
Switzerland coach Inka Grings used a 4-3-2-1 formation against Norway, and she should use it once more. Barcelona striker Ana Maria Crnogorčević will likely start and lead the line once more. She has compiled 147 caps.
New Zealand coach Jitka Klimková will use a 4-4-2 formation against the Swiss. Wilkinson will start in attack and provide the Football Ferns with their best chance of scoring. She is on a yellow card.
A win for either Switzerland or New Zealand will see them progress to the round of 16. A loss for New Zealand would likely rule them out of progressing, but Switzerland could still move on despite losing.