Norway's Hegerberg pulls out of World Cup game just before kick-off

Norway's Hegerberg pulls out of World Cup game just before kick-off

AFP
July 25, 2023 at 8:23 AM
Ada Hegerberg, wearing the number 14, lined up with her Norway teammates before kick-off in their game against Switzerland, before promptly heading back down the tunnel
Ada Hegerberg, wearing the number 14, lined up with her Norway teammates before kick-off in their game against Switzerland, before promptly heading back down the tunnel. Photo: Saeed KHAN / AFP
Source: AFP

Star forward Ada Hegerberg pulled out of Norway's Women's World Cup game against Switzerland on Tuesday moments before kick-off, walking back down the tunnel and being replaced in the starting line-up.

The former Ballon d'Or winner had lined up for the national anthems in Hamilton before heading back towards the dressing room, with Sophie Roman Haug coming in as a last-minute replacement.

The reason for the change was not immediately clear, but the 28-year-old Hegerberg has spent much of the last few years battling injuries.

Norway lost their opening game in Group A, going down 1-0 to co-hosts New Zealand, while Switzerland beat the Philippines 2-0.

A 1-0 win for debutants the Philippines against New Zealand earlier on Tuesday blew the group wide open.

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