Ana Maria Crnogorcevic (front R) of Switzerland vies with Jacqui Hand of New Zealand during the group A match at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Dunedin, New Zealand, July 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Co-host New Zealand had to swallow an early group exit at the onging Women's World Cup.
DUNEDIN, New Zealand, July 30 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand faltered in their quest to make history in the Women's World Cup, ending their home campaign here on Sunday in third place in Group A following a disappointing draw with Switzerland.
The Kiwis yearned for a breakthrough to progress to the round of 16, but this stalemate, coupled with Norway's comfortable victory over the Philippines, resulted in the co-hosts bowing out at the group stage due to an inferior goal difference to Norway.
After the previous two rounds, all four teams - Switzerland, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Norway - in the group had a shot at qualifying.
New Zealand began their campaign by defeating Norway but was taken aback by the Philippines. The Kiwis were aware that a win would guarantee qualification, while anything less would leave their advancement dependent on the result of the other match in the group.
Jacqui Hand (2nd R) of New Zealand shoots during the match. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Before Sunday's match, Switzerland had secured four points and knew a draw would be enough for them to secure a place in the last 16.
Buoyed by an electrifying home crowd, the Football Ferns were aggressive from the start and came close to scoring in the 23rd minute but fell short.
In a desperate bid for victory, New Zealand tossed caution to the wind in the final stages - goalkeeper Victoria Esson even ventured into the opposition's box, but they still couldn't shift the balance.
With the valuable draw, Switzerland topped the group with five points and advanced to the next stage alongside Norway. ■
