The first day of the group stage ended on Tuesday with Colombia’s victory against South Korea (2-0), while in group A, the Philippines beat New Zealand (1-0), and the Swiss and Norwegians drew (0-0).
It’s go again. The first day of the group stage of the World Cup ended on Tuesday, July 25, after the successful entry of the Colombians against South Korea (2-0). In the process, the New Zealand co-host failed to confirm his good result in the opening match, offering at the same time their first success in a World Cup in the Philippines (1-0).
In a group A still undecided, Switzerland and Norway then separated on a parity score (0-0). The four teams have a good chance of qualifying before the final matches scheduled for Sunday.
Without Ada Hegerberg, Norway cannot move forward
Muzzled against New Zealand, the Norwegian attacking trio made up of Ada Hergerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen and Julie Blakstad was not renewed. But the Scandinavian attack once again remained silent against Switzerland. The Swiss goalkeeper, Gaëlle Thalmann, was decisive by intervening in particular twice in front of Roman Haug (24th, 50th), last minute holder to replace Ada Hergerberg.
However in the initial eleven and present in the warm-up, the Lyonnaise returned to the locker room just after the hymns and posed for the official photo, without any apparent reason seeming to justify it. The Norwegian Federation has made it known that it has felt “groin discomfort during the last sprint of the warm-up”. Wrapped up in her down jacket and under a blanket, the 2018 Golden Ball then returned to sit on the Norwegian bench in the second half.
First World Cup victory for the Philippines
In group A, one surprise can hide another. Winner against Norway in opening, New Zealand fell against the Philippines (1-0). First of eight World Cup rookie nations to score a goal – the work of Sarina Bolden with a spiked header (24th) – during this edition, the team of Alen Stajcic managed to hold the score in Wellington to afford a historic success in the competition.
Ferns striker Jacqui Hand thought he equalized, first when his shot hit the post (64th). Even more when she shook the nets (68th), before her goal was disallowed for a millimeter offside. But with 16 shots to their credit (against 4 for the players from the archipelago), the New Zealanders missed a great opportunity to get closer to qualifying at home.
Linda Caicedo’s trifecta
Already a scorer with Colombia at the U17 and U20 World Cups since last August, Real Madrid striker Linda Caicedo hit the mark for her first meeting in a senior World Cup. Well helped by a handball from the South Korean goalkeeper, the nugget scored the goal of the break with a roll from outside the area after a solitary rush (38th).
Enough to allow the 18-year-old player to complete her collection. But also to the victorious Cafeteras (1-0) to pick up the Germans, who fell from Morocco (6-0) on Monday, at the top of group H, with which that of the France team will cross swords in the next round.