With Group A at the 2023 Women’s World Cup still entirely undecided, Switzerland and New Zealand meet to anoint a knockout stage participant.
Switzerland, leading the group with four points, need just a draw to confirm a place in the knockout standings, while New Zealand know they likely need to win to advance. The co-hosts could theoretically advance with a draw, but it would require Norway and the Philippines to draw as well, and with both those teams needing a win to sniff the knockout stage, a draw between two desperate sides seems unlikely.
Still, three points would be extremely valuable for the Swiss, as it would see them confirmed as group winners, which would be a massive accomplishment, as it would see them almost certainly avoid a Round of 16 matchup with Spain, unless the Europeans suffer a shock defeat to Japan on the final day.
Given the enormous stakes, both teams should go for the win, especially late once they’ve potentially managed to get through the early stages without suffering an early knockout blow.
MORE: Women’s World Cup top scorers 2023
Switzerland vs New Zealand match facts
- Date: Sunday, July 30
- Kickoff Time: 3 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. BST / 5 p.m. AEST
- Location: Forsyth Barr Stadium (Dunedin, New Zealand)
- Official: Tori Penso (USA)
- Last…
