New Zealand have been eliminated from the FIFA Women’s World Cup, as they were unable to score a goal against Switzerland in their home tournament.
Switzerland held off the desperate Football Ferns in a 0-0 draw in Dunedin on Sunday night, securing their spot in the last 16 as Group A winners.
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Jacqui Hand’s first-half volley, which hit the post, was closest the Kiwis came to scoring, although they were not expected to advance to the knockout rounds.
Despite this, Ali Riley’s team captivated the rugby-obsessed nation with their 1-0 victory over Norway on the opening night, and fought fiercely against more highly regarded opponents.
Switzerland, on the other hand, managed to maintain a solid defense throughout the tournament and enter the last 16 without conceding a single goal.
With concurrent matches taking place at opposite ends of New Zealand, Sunday night was particularly dramatic.
The Football Ferns started the evening in third place, but moved up to second in the live standings when Norway took a 1-0 lead in Auckland.
As the Scandinavians started to dominate against Alen Stajcic’s team with a 6-0 scoreline, it became clear that New Zealand needed a victory to advance.
Jitka Klimkova made changes by bringing in veteran Annalie Longo and Olivia Chance, who had made an impression off the bench in their 1-0 loss to the Philippines, and both players contributed to an energetic first half.
New Zealand had the upper hand in the first half, displaying energy and enthusiasm in their attacks, although they were unable to score.
Hand came closest to scoring in the 23rd minute, attempting a remarkable volley from a difficult angle that hit the post.
This stunning effort was the second time in two games that the 24-year-old hit the woodwork, following her infamous disallowed goal against the Philippines.
Hand landed awkwardly on her ankle as the half came to a close, but continued to play, as did goalkeeper Vic Esson in the second half.
Indiah-Paige Riley was