Star disappears before kick-off
Norway trembles after a draw for a World Cup dream
07/25/2023 11:53 am
Before kick-off, the former world footballer Ada Hegerberg disappears into the dressing room, from the bench she can see how the Norwegians’ World Cup hopes are faltering: it remains goalless against Switzerland, so Hege Riise’s team is under a lot of pressure before the last group game.
No winner in the top game in Group A: Inka Grings and Switzerland have maintained their lead in the standings and have the best chance of reaching the round of 16 in the World Cup. After the zero number in Hamilton, New Zealand, the Swiss are on four points and are going into the group final with the best starting position. Former world champions Norway (one point), on the other hand, need a final win against the Philippines to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Norway, already under pressure after a surprise 1-0 loss to co-hosts New Zealand, suffered a major setback before kick-off. Former world footballer and current Champions League record goalscorer Ada Hegerberg injured her groin in the last sprint while warming up. The 28-year-old even sang the anthem in front of 10,769 spectators in the Waikato Stadium, but then and immediately before the start of the game she frustrated her feet in the direction of the dressing room.
Former German national player Grings, who was twice European champion, celebrated her first win as national team coach in a 2-0 win against the Philippines at the start of the World Cup. On Sunday in Dunedin, a draw against New Zealand is enough for Switzerland to progress, while Norway meets the Philippines in the parallel game (Auckland/both 09:00 a.m. CEST and in the live ticker on ntv.de).