Heartbreaking Loss of New Zealand against the Swiss in FIFA World Cup Women, 2023

New Zealand's dream of making history in the FIFA World Cup Women 2023 came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday, as they became the first host nation to be knocked out in the group stage. The Football Ferns needed a win against Switzerland in their final Group A match, but could only manage a goalless draw in front of a packed crowd at the Dunedin Stadium.

A Display of spirited performance

As co-hosts with Australia, New Zealand entered the competition with high expectations. They had also improved in recent years, making it to the World Cup quarterfinals in 2019 and winning the OFC Nations Cup in 2018. The team, led by seasoned coach Tom Sermanni, included a mix of seasoned players like Abby Erceg, Ali Riley, and Hannah Wilkinson, as well as young talents like Paige Satchell, Claudia Bunge, and Ria Percival.

The Football Ferns gave a spirited performance in their opening match against Norway, coming back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with a late equalizer from Wilkinson. They then secured their first-ever World Cup win by beating the Philippines 2-0, thanks to goals from Bunge and Satchell. With four points from two games, they had a chance to advance to the knockout stage for the first time, if they could beat Switzerland in their final match.

A Deliberative cagey affair

Switzerland turned out to be a formidable opponent to NZ team. Previously succumbing two scores to Norway, New Zealand had already drawn their opening game against the Philippines, 1-1, and to advance as the group winners or runners-up. Depending on the outcome of the other match, they needed this win, or at least, a draw. The team, under the direction of their captain Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic, had a strong defense as well as an effective offense featuring players like, Ramona Bachmann, Lara Dickenmann, and Fabienne Humm.

Now, The Swiss and NZ teams had already retired of making more mistakes during this cagey contest. NZ had the better opportunities, in the first half, with Jacqui Hand's 23rd-minute shot hitting the post, while for the second half, the Swiss team took control of the game, depicting  some of their own opportunities. In the end, both teams were unable to score, and the game was tied at zero.

A cruel twist

As the final whistle blew, there was a cruel twist for New Zealand. Norway had thrashed the Philippines 4-0 in the other match, meaning that Switzerland topped the group with five points, followed by Norway with four points. New Zealand also had four point but was eliminated on goal difference. 

The result was met with disbelief and disappointment by the New Zealand fans, who had turned out in large numbers to support their team throughout the tournament. Many took to social media to express their frustration and sadness, while also praising the team for their effort and courage.

A learning experience

For New Zealand, the World Cup was a learning experience that showed how far they have come, but also how much they still have to improve. They can take pride in their historic win over the Philippines, and their spirited comeback against Norway. They can also learn from their mistakes against Switzerland, and work on their finishing and composure in front of goal.

The team will have another chance to shine next year when they compete in the Asian Cup for the first time as part of their preparation for hosting the World Cup. They will also hope to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where they could face some of their World Cup rivals again.

For now, though, they will have to deal with the pain of missing out on a golden opportunity to make history on home soil.