New Zealand vs. Switzerland
The first of the lfield of eight groups in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup gets set to conclude on Sunday evening. All four nations contesting Group A remain alive as we head into our initial set of simultaneous kickoffs. Inka Grings’ surprise Switzerland presently top the group on four points after defeating the Philippines and drawing Norway. Co-hosts New Zealand remain in second place courtesy of the three points garnered via their sensational upset victory over Norway on the opening day of the tournament.
The Norwegians were considered the heavy favorites to top this group, but have been plagued by internal issues since losing their opening match. Star forward Caroline Graham Hansen expressed her displeasure at having been benched by manager Hege Riise in the team’s second fixture. The Barcelona star – who did have to skip a presser last weekend due to a sore throat – in the process cast doubt on all the FA’s official reports of a wave of sickness afflicting certain players in the camp. As if the team needed another distraction, striker Ada Hegerberg has had to withdraw with groin issues.
The WWC group that, more so than any other, has been completely turned on its head can still theoretically conclude with any one of the four teams grabbing top spot. One anticipates that there shall be few, if any, dull moments as the Norwegians try to get into gear against the Philippines in Auckland while New Zealand fight to keep their tournament dream alive against the Swiss in Wellington. Tournament enthusiasts face a difficult choice in deciding which match to focus on. Curiosity about the co-hosts may ultimately override morbid voyeurism in many cases.
New Zealand-Switzerland shapes up to be a great contest.
New Zealand
The Kiwis have found themselves on both sides of history in this tournament. After recording their first ever win at a Women’s World Cup Finals, the football Ferns unexpectedly fell to the Filipinas in round two. The Philippines became the first of this tournament’s eight debutant nations to earn a victory. As of this writing, only Portugal have managed to replicate the feat. The Oceanic co-hosts fell behind their round two opponents early (24th minute) and required some time to regroup. Once they regained their confidence, a late barrage of chances proved insufficient to earn a 1-1 draw.
A critical tactical change ahead of the second-half saw New Zealand manager Jitka Klimková replace India-Paige Riley and Betsy Hassett with Olivia Chance and Annalie Longo. The midfield shake-up was clearly intended to broaden the shape and encourage wider play. Chance in particularly played an immensely important role in interjecting pace and creativity into the attack. There was nevertheless a noticeable lack of support on the flanks during some charges. Fullbacks CJ Bott and Ali Riley – both superb in this tournament – could only cover so much ground.
In building her next XI, it seems highly likely that Klimková will retain the services of Chance. The Celtic professional could conceivably assume Malia Steinmetz’s role in the midfield split-stagger or play as a straight winger. The latter seems a better option that won’t disturb the constellation too much. We might also see a new face start opposite of Chance on the right flank. Grace Jale, Gabbie Rennie, and Paige Satchell all qualify as candidates. The author will (blindly) go with the most-capped player.
Lineup—New Zealand—Match Three (Projected) (4-4-2)
A pair of simple tweaks to the simple system can greatly aid the team’s attack. Pronounced wingers provide relief for the hard-running Bott and Riley. Additionally, if the two strikers operated a little closer together and interchanged their slants more, the target potential from close range increases. After observing her last performance, headline writers across the globe are surely itching at the the opportunity to incorporate “Chance” into their captions on the report.
“A fighting Chance”?
“Still a Chance”?
“Give them a Chance”?
Switzerland
Swiss trainer Grings kept her 4-3-3 “pillow” formation in place against the Norwegians in round two. One personnel change from the initial XI saw Nadine Riesen replace Luana Bühler in the defensive chain. Riesen worked as the left-back whilst Noelle Maritz slid into central defense. The change worked its intended effect, with Riesen getting a couple of attempts on target in. One strike hit the crossbar. Mostly, the shape remained defensively-oriented. Crnogorcevic and Risen furnished a little action in front of goal, but that was about it.
Norway’s heavily altered side – changed in three positions before Hegeberg had to withdraw at the last moment – never really got into sync against the compactly covering Swiss. Contrary to the hopes of many of us, we ended up getting a snooze-fest of sorts in the 0-0. It’s entirely possible that Grings presently ponders wholesale tactical changes. The basic structure of her constellation can lend the Ferns an early advantage in terms of possession. The co-hosts displayed a developed penchant for up-tempo ball circulation in their previous match.
We’re likely to see the same system; one that the Ferns can exploit early.