THE Philippines’ chances to advance to the Last 16 of the 2023 Women’s World Cup may have received an unexpected boost following the injury suffered by Norway’s star player Ada Hegerberg.
Hegerberg is again a doubtful starter for the Norwegians when they play the pumped-up Filipinas in their final game in Group A on Sunday.
Switzerland and Norway played to a scoreless draw at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Tuesday, moments after the Filipinas turned back the New Zealand Ferns, 1-0, at the Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington.
Hegerberg was in the starting lineup, but sustained a groin injury during the warmups and the coaching staff only found out while they were entering the pitch to play against the Swiss side. The team decided not to field Hegerberg.
The 28-year-old Hegerberg, Norway’s top striker, has made 42 goals for the team since making her first senior team appearance in 2011.
“It was just before the game. So, we were quick to have a change,” said manager John Arne Riise.
It remains unclear if Hegerberg will play against the Filipinas on Sunday as the medical staff is still assessing her condition.
With the Philippines’ upset of New Zealand, Norway fell to the bottom of the standings in Group A.
A loss by Norway on Sunday, coupled by Switzerland beating the Ferns will give the Filipinas a big chance to advance to the knockout stage.
Coach Allen Stajcic said the Filipinas have quickly stopped celebrating after their historic win with the Ferns.
“There is no celebrating. It ends at midnight. You win, loss or draw, we celebrate and cry until midnight,” said Stajcic.
Switching back to competition mode after learning about the situation with Norway is now important for the Filipinas.
The Norwegian side has not scored a single goal since bowing to New Zealand, 0-1, and their scoreless match with the Swiss.
“It’s very important that we switch back to competition mode, and think of what we have to do in the last game, and try to squeeze out of the group stage,” added Stajcic.