Norway's Hegerberg pulls out of World Cup game just before kick-off / Photo: © AFP
Norway's Hegerberg pulls out of World Cup game just before kick-off
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.
(I.Beryonev--DTZ)
