 How refreshing has the Women's World Cup been? Skill, flair, technical ability and penalties galore have made for some hugely entertaining football during the first round of group matches in Australia and New Zealand. The officials have been largely spot on as well. It's been a breath of fresh air. The early morning kick-offs have led to early dog walks along the beach before settling down with a pot of tea and a bacon and bubble butty to savour the action. Our centre of attention shifts to Norway as they bid to salvage some of their wounded pride when they face Switzerland in their second Group A fixture. The Scandinavians were on the wrong end of an opening-day shock against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland. They were the overwhelming favourites but suffered a devastating defeat when Hannah Wilkinson swept in the only goal of the game, rounding off a flowing move down the right which started with a pass from the goalkeeper. It could have been worse as the co-hosts missed a late penalty before celebrating their first victory in 16 attempts at the Women's World Cup and the disjointed Norwegians face the challenge of regrouping and overpowering a Switzerland side many pundits fancy to go deep into the tournament. If Norway are to bounce back they will have to rely on their attack led by Lyon striker and former Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg. She has bags of experience as well as an eye for goal after winning six Champions League trophies and is 9/5 with William Hill to score at any time. But Switzerland, comfortable 2-0 winners against Philippines, look the value at 14/5 with bet365. Ramona Bachman, who struck from the penalty spot in that victory, can send them into Group A overdrive at 8/1 with Betway by opening the scoring. She's also 7/2 with William Hill to score at any time while Switzerland are 7/1 with bet365 to win with both teams scoring. Hannah Wilkinson scored in New Zea){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
How refreshing has the Women’s World Cup been? Skill, flair, technical ability and penalties galore have made for some hugely entertaining football during the first round of group matches in Australia and New Zealand.
The officials have been largely spot on as well. It’s been a breath of fresh air.
The early morning kick-offs have led to early dog walks along the beach before settling down with a pot of tea and a bacon and bubble butty to savour the action.
Our centre of attention shifts to Norway as they bid to salvage some of their wounded pride when they face Switzerland in their second Group A fixture.