Fifa Women’s World Cup: Philippines wary of ‘wounded’ Norway for crunch clash, with knockout stage on the line
- Philippines riding high after win over co-hosts New Zealand and victory would seal spot in knockout stages
- Norway are struggling with injuries and rumours of discontent among the players
Alen Stajcic has warned his Philippines team to be wary of “wounded” Norway when they clash at the Women’s World Cup on Sunday with qualification for the knockout stages on the line.
The Philippines celebrated their first appearance at a World Cup finals with a stunning 1-0 victory over co-hosts New Zealand on Tuesday.
That result, after a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland on their tournament debut, means they will advance to the last 16 by beating the 1995 World Cup winners at Eden Park in Auckland.
The Norwegians are traditional heavyweights in the women’s game but have performed poorly so far, losing 1-0 to the co-hosts and then drawing 0-0 with Switzerland.
They appear to be in disarray with an injury to star striker Ada Hegerberg and player discontent.
“Obviously each team has different issues whether it be physical, mental, social, cultural,” Stajcic, the Philippines head coach, said on Saturday.