Switzerland 0-0 Norway: Scandinavians face early exit

Norway’s World Cup hopes are hanging in the balance after they were held to a goalless draw by Switzerland in Group A.

Norway, who were stunned by tournament co-hosts New Zealand in the opening game of the tournament, were dealt another blow moments before kick-off when star forward Ada Hegerberg had to be replaced by Sophie Haug due to injury.

Swiss goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann made a number of great saves throughout the game to keep the scores level and ensure her side remain top of the group with one match left to play.

Switzerland started strongly but Norway gradually grew into the game, with their best opportunity coming after 22 minutes when Haug’s header was pushed away by Thalmann. The Roma forward had another headed chance go wide from Emilie Haavi’s cross.

A good bit of work saw Switzerland gain possession through Coumba Sow, who threaded the ball to Ana Maria Crnogorcevic, but her effort flew wide before Nadine Riesen’s cross was tipped over the bar by Aurora Mikalsen.

Norway took control of the opening stages of the second half, with Maren Mjelde having a headed effort saved five minutes after the restart.

Another attack saw a rebound fall to Haug, who smashed the ball first time, forcing Thalmann to make a fantastic stop to her left. The goalkeeper made another solid save to push away a dangerous low cross from Caroline Graham Hansen.

Although Norway were creating chances, Switzerland had a couple of opportunities of their own when Ramona Bachmann hit an effort wide after making a great run down the centre of the pitch before an audacious shot by Riesen was held by Mikalsen.

Thalmann made two excellent saves back-to-back, first denying Graham Hansen with a low dive before blocking Frida Maanum’s rebound at the near post.

Switzerland pushed in stoppage time as Crnogorcevic’s menacing cross was defended and Graham-Hansen’s long free-kick was then easily saved in the final seconds.

The Swiss will progress to the last 16 with a point from their final group match against New Zealand, while Norway will need to beat the Philippines and hope results elsewhere go there way in order to avoid an early exit.