Norway are desperate to avoid another group-stage exit from a major tournament as they take on the Philippines.
NOR-W vs PHL-W Match Details
Date: Sunday, 30 July 2023
Time: 12:30 (IST) / 19:00 (NZST)
Venue: Dunedin Stadium, Dunedin
NOR-W vs PHL-W Match Preview
Norway boss Hege Riise made some controversial changes to Norway’s starting eleven from the shock loss to New Zealand in the first game with Ingrid Engen but more surprisingly Graham Hansen benched. The latter display her frustration about it post-match although later apologized. Ada Hegerberg also headed down the tunnel seconds before the start of the match, despite being on the starting list, with a groin injury. Norway still managed to collect their first point of the tournament in the scoreless draw against Switzerland with all odds stacked against them. They created better chances against the team coming off a win in the opener. Whether the rotation worked is up for debate with the result also not giving them much of a mileage for last-16 qualification. However, being the better side in the clash will give them inspiration ahead of a must-win match against the Philippines in the final group match. Graham Hansen will reportedly be back in the lineup to end her country’s barren run of games. Norway cannot afford another slip-off as they face the prospect of exiting the group stages for consecutive major tournaments.
If Norway’s result was unpredictable against Switzerland, the Philippines’ win against New Zealand in their first-ever Women’s World Cup ripped every script of the game. After having a taste of what the tournament is all about with a 2-0 loss in their debut match against Switzerland, the team showed true mantle in picking up a 1-0 lead at half-time and then setting up a great defensive show to frustrate the co-hosts. Striker Sarina Bolden put the Philippines to the finals in first place with a decisive penalty in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup. So, it was fitting that she scored the historical goal for her nation on the stage to the ecstatic joy of the team and back in her homeland. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel made sure the moment stayed with a splendid save at the end. The win now gives them a chance to continue their fairytale and qualify for the knockouts. Alen Stajcic's side will face another higher-ranked nation in the final group game but will be keen to exploit their struggles. As a win will guarantee their spot in the last-16 while a draw will keep them waiting for results in the other game. In that case, goal difference will come it effect as they sit third in the table.
Recent Form (All Comp)
NOR-W: DLDWD
PHL-W: WLLWW
Recent Form (World Cup)
NOR-W: DL
PHL-W: WL
NOR-W vs PHL-W Predicted Lineups
NOR-W: Mikalsen; Bjelde, Mjelde, Harviken, Hansen; Maanum, Boe Risa, Reiten; Graham Hansen, Haavi, Eikeland
PHL-W: McDaniel; Barker, Long, Beard, Harrison; Sawicki, Cowart, Eggesvik, Frilles; Bolden, Guillou
NOR-W vs PHL-W Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: McDaniel (7.5)
DEF: Mjelde (9), Long (8.5), Harrison (8)
MID: Guillou (8), Eggesvik (8.5), Maanum (8.5), Reiten (9)
FW: Hansen (9), Bolden (8), Frilles (8.5)
Vice-captain: Frida Maanum
Captain: Kristine Eggesvik
