Tagged as the odds-on favorite to win Group A, Norway was supposed to have a relatively easy ride to the Round of 16 at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
But a loss to New Zealand in the tournament’s opening match has the Grasshoppers with their backs against the wall Tuesday morning (4 a.m. ET).
If Norway loses to Switzerland, its tournament is over. And while a draw would technically keep the Grasshoppers’ hopes alive, they would still need some scoreboard help in the final round of matches.
That’s not a situation any team — especially one with high expectations — wants to be in.
Can Norway get its tournament back on track Tuesday?
Norway vs. Switzerland prediction
(4 a.m. ET. FS1)
While Norway is a much better team than New Zealand on paper, there were some red flags — both tactical and intangible — for the aggressive Norwegians against the more pragmatic Football Ferns.
The good news for Norway is that even though Switzerland may be more talented than New Zealand, La Nati play a more upbeat style of soccer, which should make things a little more comfortable for the Norwegians.
After being hired as the manager of the Swiss National Team last year, Inka Grings said she wanted the team to transition from being a team that relies on a sturdy, structured defense into one that wants the ball and wants to attack.
It was an ambitious goal, but one that was welcomed by the Swiss Soccer Federation.
The results have not been all that encouraging.
While La Nati cruised to a 2-0 win over the Philippines in their World Cup opener, which was their first victory in 2023 despite playing a relatively easy schedule, Switzerland drew with Poland (twice), China, Zambia, and Morocco in friendlies over the last seven months and lost to Iceland, 2-1, at home in April.
Norway’s run-up to the World Cup was a mixed bag, and the loss to New Zealand didn’t help, but the betting market was clear about the Grasshoppers’ standing in Group A.
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They were a massive favorite to win the group, while the Swiss and Kiwis were basically priced as equals. And yet, New Zealand — despite playing in its home country — got as high as +900 before its match against Norway last week.
Switzerland is just +270 to win Tuesday.
It’s clear the betting market has overreacted to Norway’s loss to New Zealand last week. Take the +115 on the Grasshoppers to keep their tournament alive and don’t be afraid of a sprinkle on the Norwegians to top the group either.
The Bet: Norway +115 (Caesars)