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Norway coach Hege Riise rang the changes in an
attempt to revive the team's fortunes after the former champions
suffered a shock opening defeat by New Zealand. Caroline Graham
Hansen, Ingrid Syrstad Engen and Julie Blakstad were dropped and
replaced by Emilie Haavi, Amalie Eikeland and Vilde Boa Risa.
They were dealt a huge blow seconds before kickoff, however,
when Ballon d'Or winner Hegerberg, who has 42 international
goals, sustained a groin injury in the pre-match warm-up and was
replaced by Sophie Roman Haug.
Switzerland had the upper hand in the opening stages, but a
shaken Norway side soon regained their composure and had the
best chance of the half through Haug, whose storming header was
saved by Thalmann in the 25th minute.
Thalmann denied Roman Haug again after the restart by palming
away the forward's powerful drive before Swiss midfielder Ramona
Bachmann swept her effort just wide.
Riise brought on Graham Hansen, who earned her 100th cap, on the
hour mark and the midfielder nearly broke the deadlock with 15
minutes remaining. Thalmann made an excellent double save,
denying both Graham Hansen and Frida Maanum.
Switzerland, who beat Philippines 2-0 in their Group A opener,
sit top of the table with four points. They need only a point
from their final group game against co-hosts New Zealand to
progress to the knockout stages.
Norway, who are bottom with one point, have now gone four
matches without scoring at a major tournament and will need a
win against Philippines to keep their hopes alive.
(Reporting by Hritika Sharma in Hyderabad, ediiting by Pritha
Sarkar)
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