It’s getting to the sharp end of the initial skirmishes in the Women’s World Cup.

Group A will be resolved on Sunday, July 30th, as Switzerland face New Zealand; while at the same time the other two Group A sides, Norway and the Philippines, will meet. 

The current standings have Switzerland on 4 points, New Zealand and the Philippines 3, and Norway 1. There are eight groups of four who play each other in a round-robin format.

The top two from each group advance to the last 16 at which point it’s knockout football all the way. Lots riding on these two contests then, and I’m going to concentrate on current narrow leaders Switzerland, who face co-hosts New Zealand.

So – a vitally important affair that will determine whether the co-hosts continue in the tournament or not. Switzerland are ranked only 6 spots higher that NZ in the FIFA rankings, so there’s not too much to be gleaned from that angle. But will the sheer weight of hope and expectation bear down heavily on the Football Ferns?

NZ beat Norway in their opener, which was quite a scalp as their opponent is ranked 14 spots higher. Shouldn’t perhaps be too surprised – co-host nation rallying to the cause and all that, and overachieving. Wouldn’t remotely be the first time. Won’t be the last.

Then the shock. A 1-0 reverse against the Philippines, leaving them in jeopardy. Meanwhile Switzerland have dismissed the Philippines 2-0, and played out a goalless draw with Norway.

Norway will be a short order to beat the Philippines so it looks like it’s win or bust for NZ.  However – Switzerland just look the more solid, measured option to me. The hugely experienced PSG forward Ramona Bachmann is an ever-present danger and a price of just 11/5 as an anytime goalscorer tells you all you need to know on that score.

They’re also developing a happy knack of keeping clean sheets, too – a welcome trait I’m hoping will continue on Sunday.

Switzerland to win to nil @ 2/1

‘Keeper Gaelle Thalmann is in terrific form right now and NZ have it all to do to not only fashion some chances but to get the better of the veteran Betis shot-stopper.

A point will suffice for Switzerland, but only a win will absolutely guarantee top spot. I can see them holding New Zealand and finding one or two scoring opportunities themselves to advance with a flourish to the knockout stages. To win to nil then at 2/1 I feel is a very achievable prospect at not a bad old price.

The main match outcome betting incidentally is Switzerland 21/20, New Zealand 13/5, and the Draw 2/1. Should be a cracker.