Switzerland and New Zealand will meet in a huge battle for the top two in Group A at Dunedin Stadium on Sunday.
SWT-W vs NZ-W Match Details
Date: Sunday, 30 July 2023
Time: 12:30 (IST) / 19:00 (NZST)
Venue: Dunedin Stadium, Dunedin
SWT-W vs NZ-W Match Preview
Switzerland could have made their place certain in the knockouts if they had collected all three points against a disjointed Norway team. Instead, they had to settle for a stalemate against the team that was beaten comfortably on the opening day of the tournament. This is also the fourth scoreless draw they played this year. Quite frustratingly, Norway had more clear-cut scoring opportunities than them with goalkeeper Gaëlle Thalmann called into action several times to rescue her side. The squad hopes that she will maintain her form in the crucial clash against New Zealand in the final group match. Switzerland have kept three consecutive clean sheets now but their 2-0 win against the Philippines was the only the managed in the last six meetings. Also, six of their last eight games have ended in a draw. However, playing for a point could be enough for the team provided Norway do not lose to the Philippines. A victory will secure them the top spot in the group. Switzerland are bound to face either Japan or Spain in a tough challenge if they move into the knockouts. They will be desperate to carry on their sublime run in which they suffered just one defeat in the last 11 games.
New Zealand got their own taste of medicine against the Philippines what they did to Norway in the opener. Surprisingly, the Black Ferns went down 1-0 against the newcomers after Hannah Bolden scored the decider in the first half. The result come after created history by winning their first-ever game in the tournament last week. Talismanic striker Hannah Wilkinson scored the milestone goal last time but her assist to Jacqui Hand’s equalizer was ruled out for a marginal offside by VAR. Hand also hit the post before that from a delightful pass by substitute Olivia Chance. Filipinas’ keeper Olivia McDaniel rooted to the spot at that moment but sprang into action late in the game. The 25-year-old pulled off one of the best saves ever to deny substitute Grace Jale’s volley from close range. Jitka Klimkova's side are level on points with the Philippines but the goal difference keeps them in second in the group table. The position they have to be in after the final round of group matches to qualify for the last-16. New Zealand will be in the knockouts for the first time in the Women’s World Cup if they beat Switzerland. Whereas a draw will keep their faith hanging on the result between Norway and Philippines game simultaneously kicking off.
Recent Form (All Comp)
SWT-W: DWDDL
NZ-W: LWLWL
Recent Form (World Cup)
SWT-W: DW
NZ-W: LW
SWT-W vs NZ-W Predicted Lineups
SWT-W: Thalmann; Aigbogun, Maritz, Stierli, Riesen; Sow, Walti, Reuteler; Piubel, Bachmann, Crnogorcevic
NZ-W: Esson; Bott, Stott, Bowen, A. Riley; Percival, Steinmetz, Hassett; Chance, Hand, Wilkinson
SWT-W vs NZ-W Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Thalmann (7)
DEF: Riley (8.5), Stott (8), Maritz (8.5)
MID: Sow (8.5), Percival (9), Walti (8), Hassett (8.5)
FW: Bachmann (9), Wilkinson (9), Crnogorcevic (9)
Vice-captain: Hannah Wilkinson
Captain: Coumba Sow
