New Zealand exits FIFA Women’s World Cup after Swiss stalemate

DUNEDIN, New Zealand – New Zealand and Switzerland performed out an underwhelming 0-0 stalemate within the Women’s World Cup on Sunday, sending the co-hosts out of the match on aim distinction and the Europeans by means of to the final 16 as Group A winners.

Norway’s 6-0 thrashing of the Philippines within the different group sport in Auckland put them stage on 4 factors with New Zealand however second on aim distinction.

The outcomes meant New Zealand, who shocked Norway of their opening match earlier than shedding to the Philippines of their second, turned the primary Women’s World Cup hosts to exit within the group stage.

Roared on by a near-capacity crowd of 25,947 on the indoor Dunedin Stadium, New Zealand lacked nothing in effort however couldn’t discover the aim they wanted to progress, with a number of gamers in tears on the remaining whistle.

“I can’t ask any more of the players. There’s a lot of tears out there but they should be so proud,” New Zealand co-captain Ali Riley mentioned. “We fought really hard… There’s such disappointment but I want everyone to be proud of what we’ve achieved.

“I actually suppose that we have impressed the nation. I hope that little women throughout New Zealand and the world now will begin taking part in sport and really feel like they will obtain no matter they put their thoughts to and simply dream larger.

“I just hope that this opens so many doors and opportunities for young girls. We wanted to inspire, we wanted to honour the Ferns that came before us and this team did that. I’m so proud of them.”

Switzerland began the match on the entrance foot and midfielder Ramona Bachmann skipped previous a number of defenders earlier than her shot was blocked, however they have been unable to maintain the momentum going whereas New Zealand progressively upped the tempo.

Jacqui Hand and Olivia Chance each hit the submit whereas Katie Bowen’s shot was blocked as New Zealand pushed for an opener and appeared extra more likely to rating.

Switzerland appeared extra snug after the break, with Seraina Piubel slicing a left-footed shot huge off the mark earlier than being dominated offside, whereas New Zealand struggled within the remaining third.

Malia Steinmetz’s weak strike from the sting of the penalty space was saved as New Zealand turned more and more frantic of their efforts — goalkeeper Victoria Esson got here up the pitch and headed huge within the closing minutes — however Switzerland held on and noticed out the draw.

Switzerland and Norway will face both Spain or Japan, who play their Group C decider on Monday, for a spot within the quarter-finals.

“I know (it’s) super emotional now because everybody’s disappointed about the result but this team can be so proud,” New Zealand coach Jitka Klimkova mentioned. “There are so many positives that we are taking away from the whole experience.

“Our crowd confirmed how a lot they care… I really feel that the nation is behind us and I actually am grateful for that as a result of they’re a part of this journey and a part of us.” 

—Reuters