MADRID, 25 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Group A of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand was tightened in the face of the fight to be in the round of 16 after the Philippines’ victory over New Zealand on Tuesday and Switzerland’s goalless draw against Norway, while in Group H Colombia defeated South Korea (2-0).
After making history last Thursday with their first World Cup victory by beating Norway and leaving a good image, the New Zealand team and their fans received a jug of cold water with the defeat against the debutants of the Philippines, who had just lost against Switzerland.
However, the Asian team was able to handle the pressure well and demonstrated the prevailing equality in this edition of the World Cup. Sarina Bolden, in the 24th minute, entered the history of her country’s football with the goal that gives three vital points to dream of the round of 16 and that is the first win for one of the eight rookies in the tournament.
In the other match in Group A, Switzerland added a valuable point and left Norway in a difficult situation, which is left with only one and forced to win against the Philippines. The Norwegians, with Caroline Graham Hansen substituting and Ada Hegerberg injured before kick-off, tried it out in an entertaining match, and although they enjoyed the best chances they ran into an inspired Gaelle Thalmann, former Betis goalkeeper. The Swiss will face the decisive day as leaders and knowing that winning against New Zealand gives them the pass.
For its part, Group H was completed with the victory of Colombia over South Korea 2-0, in a duel where the South American team was superior and put their victory on track in the first half. The goals from Catalina Usme, from a penalty, and from the young Linda Caicedo, a Real Madrid player, gave the Colombians three key points in their aspirations to be in the round of 16.