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Switzerland vs Norway odds and betting statistics
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Switzerland vs Norway recommended bets
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Switzerland vs Norway match preview
These two made contrasting starts to their World Cup campaigns, so will there be a winner in Hamilton?
Norway were involved in the tournament’s opening match last Thursday night, suffering a shock 1-0 defeat against co-hosts New Zealand at Eden Park.
This is the first time the Grasshoppers have lost their opening match at a World Cup since the inaugural edition 32 years ago, also beaten by hosts in the form of China PR back then.
At that 1991 tournament, Norway would go on to reach the World Cup Final, beaten 2-1 by USA in Guǎngzhōu, before lifting this trophy themselves four years later.
A repeat run seems unlikely, with Norway looking completely disjointed in Auckland, just as they were at last summer’s European Championship, when they crashed out in the group stages.
Since then, Hege Riise has taken over as manager, but she’s come across the same issues, namely a top-heavy team that struggles defensively and cannot provide service for their superstars in attack.
As for Switzerland, they’re sitting pretty at the top of Group A, having beaten Philippines 2-0 at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday.
Ramona Bachmann broke the deadlock, converting a penalty in first half stoppage time, before Seraina Piubel sealed the win shortly after the hour mark.
That goal was scrappy to say the least, with both Ana-Maria Crnogorčević and Coumba Sow seeing shots saved, before Piubel finally fired the ball home.
This is only Rossocrociati’s second World Cup appearance, beating Cameroon during their debut campaign in 2015 before being ousted by hosts Canada in the round of 16.
So, La Nati are aiming to win multiple matches at a World Cup for the first time, with Inka Grings’ side knowing a victory here would book their spot in the round of 16, ahead of their last group game against the co-hosts.
Will Switzerland prevail at Waikato Stadium, a result that would send Norway packing with a game to spare?
Switzerland team news
Seraina Piubel was a surprise inclusion in Inka Grings’ XI on Friday, winning just her eighth cap, but paid back here manager by scoring the second, clinching goal.
Captain Lia Wälti had missed the conclusion of the FAWSL season due to injury, but got 75 minutes in the tank against Philippines, so will once again start at the base of midfield.
Switzerland’s superstars Ana Maria Crnogorčević and Ramona Bachmann will lead the line, with Alisha Lehmann an option off the bench.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Thalmann; Aigbogun, Bühler, Stierli, Maritz; Wälti, Sow, Reuteler, Piubel; Crnogorčević, Bachmann.
Norway teams news
Hege Riise was criticised for trying to shoehorn all of her best players into the team in Auckland, with Guro Reiten deployed deep in midfield, despite being an excellent winger for Chelsea.
So, will she be moved further forward, even if that means, possibly, dropping Julie Blakstad to the bench?
The best two chances against New Zealand fell to Arsenal’s Frida Maanum, who skewed both wide, so can either Caroline Graham Hansen or Ada Hegerberg fire Norway to a campaign-saving win here?
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mikalsen; Bjelde, Harviken, Mjelde, Hansen; Reiten, Syrstad Engen, Graham Hansen, Maanum, Blakstad; Hegerberg.
Women’s World Cup Group A table
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Women’s World Cup Group A fixtures & results
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