Star forward Ada Hegerberg was involved in a stunning development that saw her pulled out of Norway’s Women’s World Cup contest against Switzerland just moments before kickoff in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Hegerberg, a former winner of the Ballon D’Or Femenin award given to the best player in the world, shocked fans and television viewers by disappearing down the stadium tunnel just as the Group A clash was getting underway.
Norway star Ada Hegerberg walks back into the tunnel before kickoff
FOX reported Hegerberg had felt discomfort in her groin while performing a final sprint as part of her pre-game warmup, with the teams already on the field and the national anthems having been performed.
She was evaluated by team doctor Trygve Hunemo and returned to the locker room to receive treatment, according to Norwegian TV.
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Further details as to her status remained incomplete as the Norwegians began their crucial matchup, having lost their opener to New Zealand.
Hegerberg has spent nine years with dominant French club Lyon, and is one of Europe’s most feared goalscorers. However, this is only her second World Cup, as she spent five years away from the national team due to a dispute with Norway’s soccer federation.
Ahead of the Switzerland matchup, Hegerberg sounded determined to kickstart the team’s campaign.
“I think a lot about how I can perform as well as possible and how we can win,” she told reporters. “I try to be positive. It gets very serious at times like this, we have to enjoy the football.”
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Martin Rogers is a columnist for FOX Sports and the author of the FOX Sports Insider newsletter. Follow him on Twitter @MRogersFOX and subscribe to the daily newsletter.
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