Women’s World Cup: Draw not enough for New Zealand as Switzerland progress

New Zealand have been knocked out of their home Women’s World Cup after a goalless draw against Switzerland in their final group game.

The Football Ferns needed to beat their opponents to book their place in the second round, due to Norway’s 6-0 demolition of Morocco, but they failed to register a shot on target for the first 70 minutes.

It was a tournament that promised so much for the co-hosts after their opening day shock win over Norway but they left themselves with work to do after a defeat against the Philippines.

For Switzerland, they knew avoiding defeat would earn them their place in the last 16 and were happy to play out the draw without offering too much in attack themselves.

New Zealand sprung into action too late to save themselves, with Malia Steinmetz’s 74th-minute effort saved by Gaelle Thalmann.

Claudia Bunge’s header was saved too, before goalkeeper Victoria Esson went up for a corner and two free-kicks in stoppage time. Esson did get her head on one of the free-kicks but was unable to hit the target.

New Zealand “inspired” by Women’s World Cup

With record crowds seen in the country in both the men’s and women’s games, the tournament has captured the imagination of the New Zealand public.

Reflecting on her side’s exit, New Zealand coach Jitka Klimkova said: “It’s super emotional because everybody’s disappointed about the result but this team can be so proud.

“There are so many positives we are taking away from the whole experience.

“I feel the nation is behind us and I really am thankful for that because they are part of this journey and part of us.”

New Zealand co-captain Ali Riley added: “I can’t ask any more of the players. There’s a lot of tears out there but they should be so proud, we fought really hard.

“There’s such disappointment but I want everyone to be proud of what we’ve achieved.

“I really think we’ve inspired the country. I hope little girls across New Zealand and the world now will start playing sport and feel they can achieve whatever they put their mind to.

“I hope this opens so many doors and opportunities for young girls. We wanted to inspire, we wanted to honour the Ferns that came before us and this team did that. I’m so proud of them.”

Cover Photo: New Zealand Flag, Beehive” by Tākuta is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 .