The Ferns’ 0-0 draw with Switzerland was not enough for progress from Group A.
In the space of eleven days, New Zealand went from heaven to hell. Dunedin and the final group game against Switzerland presented the Football Ferns with a twofold opportunity: to move on from the deeply disappointing defeat against the Philippines, but, above all, to leave a lasting legacy at this Women’s World Cup on home soil. Against Norway, Hannah Wilkinson and the Ferns became household names, on Sunday they could truly cement the position of women’s soccer in the country.
In five previous World Cup participations, New Zealand had never reached the knockout phase of the tournament. In essence, the team of manager Jitka Klimkova needed the three points to achieve its holy grail, even more so after Norway took a decisive 2-0 lead inside the first 17 minutes against the Philippines. The Scandinavians were making a statement in Auckland. After an anxious and nervy start, the Ferns tried to do so as well as if they sensed that their World Cup campaign was in danger.
