Women's World Cup Betting: Norway Are Slight Favorites in Tuesday's Crucial Clash With Switzerland

Tuesday marks the start of the second round of group-stage matches in the 2023 Women's World Cup. Every World Cup game is important, but with one round of matches now in the books, the stakes are getting higher. Elimination and advancement could already be on the table for some teams.

With that in mind, let's take a look at Tuesday's slate.

All World Cup odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook:

New Zealand vs. Philippines

After their shocking 1-0 upset victory over Norway in their first match, New Zealand is now the favorite to qualify from Group A (-380).

The win wasn't a fluke -- the hosts went toe-to-toe with Norway, who are ranked 12th in the FIFA rankings, for the entire game. They were narrowly outshot (13-12) but had the same number of shots on target (2), only slightly less possession (49% to 51%), higher pass accuracy (64%), and more corners (8-2). It was an impressive performance punctuated by a wonderfully executed back-to-front passing sequence in the 48th minute that resulted in Hannah Wilkinson scoring the game's only goal.

A victory over the Philippines on Tuesday could see New Zealand secure their place in the knockout stages if Switzerland defeats Norway. A loss, however, and things could shift quickly. New Zealand is looking to carry over the momentum from their first victory and take care of business on Tuesday.

The hosts enter this match as -290 favorites against a Philippines side that sits 46th in the FIFA rankings. The Philippines lost their opening match last Friday, 2-0, to Switzerland. They were thoroughly outplayed in that fixture and managed just 26% possession. To contend with a confident New Zealand side on Tuesday, they will need to drastically improve.

The Philippines is essentially facing elimination in this game as a loss and any result other than a Norway win over Switzerland would end their slim chances of advancing. Securing at least a point is crucial. As it stands, they have the worst odds to qualify from Group A (+3300).

Looking at odds to score, Hannah Wilkinson (+150) tops the list, followed by her teammate Emily Clegg (+190), who did not play in New Zealand's victory over Norway. Sarina Bolden (+600) has the best odds to score for the Philippines and the 14th-best odds in the match overall.

Switzerland vs. Norway

Norway enters this fixture looking to rebound after their loss to New Zealand. After entering the tournament as favorites to advance out of Group A (-1900), Norway's odds now rank second (-210). Failure to secure a win over Switzerland will likely result in Norway heading into their final group-stage match needing a victory and help to advance.

That sets this up as a near must-win for Norway. The good news for them is that despite their slow start, they remain slight favorites to get three points on Tuesday (+115).

Switzerland secured a two-goal victory in their first match against the Philippines, controlling the fixture from start to finish. They dominated in every important category, including shots (17-3), shots on target (8-0), possession (74% to 26%), pass accuracy (87% to 65%), and corners (3-0). Ramona Bachmann converted a penalty kick in the 45th minute before Seraina Piubel picked up a rebound and found the back of the net in the 64th minute.

After passing their first test, Switzerland will need to prove they can handle more difficult opponents. A motivated Norway is a drastically tougher foe than the Philippines. A win for Switzerland puts them into the knockout stages, assuming New Zealand defeats the Philippines. A loss, and they could enter their final group stage match needing a win over the hosts and help to advance.

As it stands, the Swiss have the third-best odds to advance from Group A (-170) after entering the tournament with the second-best odds to advance (-150).

Norway's Ada Hegerberg (+160) leads the way in anytime goalscorer odds in this contest. Her teammates, Caroline Graham Hansen and Sophie Haug (+250), are tied for second. Bachmann has the best odds to score for Switzerland (+270) and the fourth-best odds in the match overall.

The stakes are incredibly high for both sides in this one.

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