Key events
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 Norway. 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.