Switzerland W vs Norway W prediction: WORLD: World Cup Women betting tips on match 2023-07-24 08:00.
Aiming to eclipse their debut run to the last 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) in 2015, Switzerland were more relieved than ecstatic in the aftermath of their opening match of the 2023 WWC, as a 2-0 win over group outsiders Philippines marked their first 90-minute victory in nine attempts. However, they have likely prepared for this group stage knowing that Norway should pose a far greater threat than their previous opponents.
The Swiss’ positive H2H record this century (W2, D1, L1) could provide them with a minor mental edge, whilst the potential to complete a hat-trick of clean sheets – a feat that has been beyond them since October 2021 – should be an additional source of motivation. But with no shutout against the Norwegians in eight all-time encounters, history suggests their defence will be breached at some point.
As for Norway themselves, they will be thirsty for redemption after losing to co-hosts New Zealand in their own opener. Whilst manager Hege Riise was insistent that the Norwegians were not rattled mentally by a fatal shooting in close proximity to their team hotel on the morning of the game, frustrated Norway forward Caroline Graham Hansen declared that her side "might as well just go home" if they can't improve on that showing, which made it just one win in eight recent outings (D3, L4) for the 1995 WWC winners.
Norway’s loss to New Zealand also poses a challenge not seen for a generation as far as the WWC is concerned, with their only previous matchday one loss coming in the inaugural 1991 edition. A repeat of a quirky inability to win their second group stage game at any of the previous five WWC finals (D2, L3) could see them dumped from the tournament prior to the knockouts for just the second time in its history.
Players to watch: Switzerland’s Seraina Piubel might well continue Norway’s matchday two blues, with her strike in Dunedin against the Philippines marking a third goal in four internationals. As for Norway’s Graham Hansen, she is aiming to mark her 99th senior cap with a first international goal since September 2021. Her last three strikes against 2023 WWC participants all came during 2-1 victories!
Hot streak: Each of Norway’s last six WWC games to be settled within 90 minutes have seen an odd-numbered margin separate the sides.