Women’s World Cup: Group A Remains Up for Grabs

New Zealand vs Switzerland

The battle for the top two spots in Group A of the Women’s World Cup is going down to the wire, and it all boils down to the final matchday to decide who will advance to the knockout stages.

Switzerland are in pole position with four points, but New Zealand and the Philippines are right behind them with three. Norway are at the bottom with one point, but if they beat the Philippines this weekend, then it’ll be a whole new ballgame.

The Swiss are fresh from a goalless draw against Norway last Tuesday, while New Zealand were on the wrong end of the Women’s World Cup 2023 results with a 1-0 upset loss against the Philippines.

Basically, it’s win or go home for these two nations, so you better believe that they will go all out on Sunday at the Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Talking Points

Top spot is Switzerland’s for the taking

A win or a draw against New Zealand would be enough to see the Swiss through. But if they somehow lose, Norway would have to beat the Philippines for them to advance.

The history-chasing Filipinas genuinely concerned the Swiss when they were off to a poor start. Fortunately for Switzerland, Katrina Guillou’s goal for the Philippines was disallowed due to offside.

The Swiss had another lucky break when they were given a penalty by the VAR. Jessika Cowart’s stray boot caught Coumba Sow, and Ramona Bachmann eventually converted the spot-kick.

From there, Switzerland dominated the second half, and they doubled their lead through Seraina Piubel, who converted on a close-range effort after 64 minutes.

Against Norway, it was a different story, as they were on the back foot.

Switzerland had to withstand Norway, who put up a gallant stand without their star forward Ada Hegerberg. Hegerberg walked off the pitch due to leg discomfort, but that didn’t stop the Norwegians from launching 15 shots and controlling 61-per cent of possession.

Gaelle Thalmann stepped up big for the Swiss, as she had one crucial save after another, including one against Graham Hansen with 15 minutes remaining.

Switzerland are in prime position to make it to the knockout phase, and all they have to do is take care of business on their end.

Can New Zealand recover?

New Zealand had to wait for two decades to record their first-ever Women’s World Cup victory, and they got it in their first game against Norway.

However, their 1-0 loss against the Philippines gave them a reality check: they still have a long way to go to make it to the knockout phase.

The Football Ferns dominated the game against the Filipinas, as they had 16 shots and 69-per cent possession. However, they couldn’t convert on any of those chances, while the Philippines did so with their only shot on target, courtesy of Sarina Bolden.

Losing to Switzerland would mean the end of New Zealand’s Women’s World Cup dreams, so they need all hands on deck.

Once again, they will need the heroics of Hannah Wilkinson, who is their top attacking threat. The Melbourne City striker currently has 28 goals in 115 caps for the Football Ferns.

History

Sunday marks the fourth meeting between Switzerland and New Zealand. In their three previous encounters, the Football Ferns have won twice, while the Swiss have won once.

All three previous meetings were in the Cyprus Women’s Cup (2011, 2013, and 2014), which all ended with the same exact scoreline of 2-1. New Zealand’s Hannah Wilkinson has scored in their last two matches against the Swiss.

Switzerland are looking to reach the knockout rounds for the second time after doing so in 2015, when they finished third in their group. New Zealand, meanwhile, are aiming to become the first Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) representative to reach the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Women’s World Cup 2023 odds predict a tight contest between the Swiss and the Football Ferns. Switzerland have the slight advantage at 2.06, while New Zealand are priced at 3.10, and a draw is at 3.00 in the 1X2 market.

Group A has been extremely low-scoring, with the four matches having just four goals, and such a trend should continue this weekend, making Under 2.50 at 2.25 your safest bet.

This is the type of game that Switzerland thrives in, so they should be able to come away with the win and the top spot in the group to ensure their qualification for the knockout stages.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.