Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 recap: Football Ferns v Switzerland in Dunedin

NZ Herald

30 Jul, 2023 06:30 AM2 mins to read

Malia Steinmetz of New Zealand and Nadine Riesen of Switzerland compete for the ball. Photo / Getty

Recap of the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 clash between the Football Ferns and Switzerland in Dunedin.

-The unusual journey of Football Ferns midfielder Malia Steinmetz

-The $5 million match - The massive windfall at stake for the Football Ferns

The Football Ferns’ chances of making the second round took a hit following their 1-0 defeat by the Philippines on Tuesday. But they’re still a chance.

Heading into tonight’s final two games in the group - with Norway taking on the Philippines at Eden Park, also kicking off at 7pm - all four teams have the opportunity to advance.

If New Zealand beat Switzerland and Norway beat the Philippines, the Football Ferns finish top.
If New Zealand beat Switzerland and the Philippines beat Norway, the Football Ferns advance while first and second spot will be determined by a tiebreaker (more below).
If New Zealand draw with Switzerland and Norway beat the Philippines, it will go to tiebreaker.
If New Zealand draw with Switzerland and the Philippines beat Norway, the Football Ferns are out.
If New Zealand lose, the Football Ferns are out.

Tiebreaker if Norway and New Zealand finish on same points:

A tiebreaker is decided by goal difference, then goals for, then head-to-head.

Tiebreaker #1: Goal difference. Norway (-1) currently sit behind New Zealand (0) on goal difference and a 1-0 win, with a Football Ferns draw, would see the two sides level. That would lead to tiebreaker #2. But if Norway beat the Philippines by more than one goal, then they would finish ahead of New Zealand on goal difference.
Tiebreaker #2: Goals scored. Norway have yet to score while New Zealand have just one goal. A 0-0 draw for New Zealand won’t help their case here but if Norway only win 1-0 then the Football Ferns would be level on one goal each and would be decided by tiebreaker #3. A 1-1 draw for New Zealand and a 1-0 win for Norway would mean New Zealand advance.
Tiebreakers #3: Head-to-head result. New Zealand have the edge here after the opening 1-0 win at Eden Park.