Switzerland scores a point against Norway in the second game of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. With the score at 0:0, Inky Grings have a good chance of scoring, but fail to secure their second win. Sunday is the final group match against New Zealand.

The Swiss national team is happy with a draw in the second group match against Norway. She has a good number, but nothing is known yet.

“In terms of team tactics, we put on an outstanding performance,” National Coach Inka Grings said after the game in Hamilton, New Zealand. The players would show themselves ready to take on the Scandinavian favorites.

The physics-based game was particularly enjoyed by Coumba Sow. “The only thing missing is a goal. I should have fired,” she said. Why she did not do this, immediately after the game could not explain. The team was sure: with patience, opportunities come. “Then it’s annoying when you don’t reward yourself,” Grings regretted the goalless exit.

Implemented flexibility

The coach and the player were satisfied with their performance. The game showed Grings what a team can do when every player complies with the required requirements. In addition, the Germans demand the greatest flexibility from the players.

In the short term, this was shown, in particular, by Noel Maritz. During the final practice, it became clear that Luana Buhler would not play due to muscle problems. It quickly became clear to Grings that Maritz would move up even though the center back position was new for a cornerback. “It was the first time for me in a competitive match and then against Norway,” Maritz said afterwards.

Mysterious departure

Of course, before her performance, she didn’t know that the Norwegian superstar was going to disappear. Ada Hegerberg left the field shortly before kick-off. There were rumors in the media that she was injured during the warm-up. What exactly happened remains unclear. Norwegian coach Hege Riise had a hard time clearing things up after the game. Riise later explained that Hegerberg left the field as quickly as possible so as not to make a substitution.

“It was very strange,” Grings said when asked about the sudden departure. She had never experienced this before. However, this did not change the way the Norwegians played. Even before the game, Grings stressed that there are several top players in the Norwegian roster.

Telman number 1

“Caroline Hansen is on the bench, which speaks volumes about the quality of the Norwegian team,” goalkeeper Gael Thalmann said. She withstood all the attacks of the Scandinavians, there were several actions in which she intervened, the Freiburg native said modestly. “It’s part of my job.”

The owner of number 1 received the award as the best player of the match, and received only praise from teammates and the coach. Thalmann’s saves saved the Swiss from a less favorable starting position for the next game.

Possible group win

The Swiss have scored four points in two games and lead the table. They have the best goal difference with two goals and no goals conceded. “Everything is in our hands,” emphasizes Kumba Sow.

The Swiss are not yet in the 1/8 finals. On Sunday they drew with hosts New Zealand. A group win is also possible. In case of a loss, goal difference is taken into account. “Football means anything is possible,” Grings said. As a coach, she would like to take a more relaxed approach to the final group game. But Switzerland is ready and the starting position remains good.

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