Norway still struggles without Hegerberg, historic victory for the Philippines… What to remember from Tuesday
The first day of the group stage ended on Tuesday with a victory for Colombia against South Korea (2-0), while in group A the Philippines beat New Zealand (1-0), and Switzerland and Norway drew (0-0).
It goes again. The first day of the group stage of the World Cup ended on Tuesday 25 July, after the lucky entrance of the Colombians against South Korea (2-0). In the process, the New Zealand co-host failed to confirm his good showing in the opening match, while delivering the Philippines’ first ever World Cup success (1-0).
In a still undecided group A, Switzerland and Norway then separated on equal points (0-0). The four teams have a good chance of qualifying before Sunday’s finals.
Without Ada Hegerberg, Norway cannot go on
Gagged against New Zealand, the Norwegian strike trio of Ada Hergerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen and Julie Blakstad has not been renovated. But the Scandinavian attack once again fell silent against Switzerland. The Swiss goalkeeper, Gaëlle Thalmann, was decisive by notably intervening twice in front of Roman Haug (24th, 50th), last minute holder to replace Ada Hergerberg.
However, in the starting eleven and present in the warm-up, the Lyonnais returned to the locker room immediately after the anthems and posed for the official photo, for no apparent reason that seems to justify it. The Norwegian Federation has made it known that it has heard “groin discomfort during the last warm-up sprint”. She wrapped up in her duvet and under a blanket, she won the 2018 Ballon d’Or and 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. Winners against Norway in the opener, New Zealand fell to the Philippines (1-0). First of eight World Cup debutant nations to score a goal – by Sarina Bolden with a spiked header (24th) – during this edition, Alen Stajcic’s team managed to keep score in Wellington to afford a historic success in the competition.
Ferns forward Jacqui Hand thought to equalize, first when her shot hit the post (64th). Even more when he shook the nets (68th), before his goal was disallowed for a millimeter of offside. But with 16 shots to go (against 4 for players from the archipelago), the New Zealanders have missed a great opportunity to get closer to qualifying at home.
Linda Caicedo hat-trick
Already a goalscorer for Colombia at the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups since last August, Real Madrid striker Linda Caicedo hit the mark in her first match at a senior World Cup. Well helped by a hand ball from the South Korean goalkeeper, the nugget scored the counterattack goal with a shot from outside the area after a solitary run (38th).
Enough for the 18-year-old player to complete her collection. But also to the victorious Cafeteras (1-0) to collect the Germans, who fell from Morocco (6-0) on Monday, at the head of group H, with which France will meet in the next round.
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