- Extratime Team
- Mon, Jul 31 2023
New Zealand's journey in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has ended after a spirited yet scoreless draw with Switzerland in Dunedin on Sunday.
Despite a gallant display, the Football Ferns couldn't find a way through, marking them as the first host nation to be eliminated in the group stages of a Women's World Cup.
The Swiss squad proceeded to the round of 16 as Group A leaders, having secured two draws and a 2-0 victory against the Philippines. They will now face the second-place finishers in Group C.
The game in Dunedin saw New Zealand show early dominance, pressuring the Swiss side before a packed audience.
Jacqui Hand came close to opening the scoring for the hosts when her 23rd-minute shot struck the woodwork, but it wasn't to be.
A shot on target from Switzerland's Seraina Piubel just before the half-time whistle was comfortably saved by Kiwi goalkeeper Vic Esson.
As news broke of Norway leading 3-0 against the Philippines, the Football Ferns knew they had to secure a win to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
The Swiss side, under the leadership of Inka Grings, proved too proficient, however, gradually seizing control of possession.
New Zealand managed to force some late saves from Swiss keeper Gaelle Thalmann, but the draw confirmed their exit from the tournament.
Speaking after the match, New Zealand's coach Jitka Klimkova said: "It was an emotional moment for everybody in the team. We wanted to win this game. The result unfortunately didn't go our way, but the performance from our players was another very solid performance on the World Cup stage, and I'm very proud of our team and what we've done during this World Cup."
Switzerland's coach, Inka Grings, expressed her pride in the team's performance: "I believe in the team effort: From the players on the bench to the ones who gave it their all on the pitch. This discipline and willingness to give everything makes me proud. To play the group stage without conceding a goal speaks to how well we’ve been playing as a team. We’re very happy and I’m very proud. We’ve arrived and we’re ready for anything."
New Zealand's goalkeeper, Vic Esson, was appreciative of the home crowd's support: "We fought to the end and we were so lucky to have the entire country behind us. A sold out stadium again is very special. I think we just needed a few more minutes and we would’ve been able to put the ball in the back of the net."
Switzerland Women: Gaelle Thalmann; Eseosa Aigbogun, Noelle Maritz, Nadine Riesen, Julia Stierli; Geraldine Reuteler (Alisha Lehmann 71), Coumba Sow, Lia Walti; Ramona Bachmann (Sandrine Mauron 85), Ana Maria Crnogorcevic (Meriame Terchoun 90), Seraina Piubel.
Subs not used: Seraina Friedli, Livia Peng, Lara Marti, Laura Felber, Luana Buehler, Viola Calligaris, Marion Rey, Fabienne Humm, Amira Arfaoui.
Booked: None.
New Zealand Women: Victoria Esson; CJ Bott, Katie Bowen, Ali Riley, Rebekah Stott (Claudia Bunge 62); Olivia Chance (Indiah-Paige Riley 46), Annalie Longo (Betsy Hassett 62), Ria Percival (Grace Jale 71), Malia Steinmetz; Jacqui Hand, Hannah Wilkinson (Gabi Rennie 82).
Subs not used: Erin Nayler, Anna Leat, Elizabeth Anton, Michaela Foster, Daisy Cleverley, Milly Clegg, Paige Satchell.
Booked: None.
Referee: Tori Penso.
Attendance: 25,947
