
FILE PHOTO: Hannah Wilkinson celebrates after scoring the only goal in New Zealand's 1-0 win against Norway. PICTURE: PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES
EDEN PARK/SYDNEY: New Zealand and Norway kick-started the tournament at Eden Park, with the co-hosts searching for their maiden World Cup victory
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has started with a double-header that involved the co-hosts, New Zealand and Australia, both of whom have managed to win their opening group matches.
New Zealand and Norway kick-started the tournament at Eden Park, with the co-hosts searching for their maiden World Cup victory. Finally, their search has borne fruit, as the Football Ferns defeated the 1995 World Cup winners Norway by a solitary goal in a Group A encounter, thereby making history in front of a record 42 137 crowd.
In their past World Cup appearances, New Zealand failed to register a win in 15 attempts. They drew trice and registered 12 losses. In fact, it was a history-making match for both countries.
It was a disappointing night for the Europeans, who have lost their opening game in a World Cup for the first time in their history.
Player of the match Hannah Wilkinson’s goal scored three minutes into the second half, was enough to give the co-hosts the victory. The veteran also made history of her own as the first player who has scored in three world cups (2011, 2015 and 2023) for the Football Ferns.
The home side could have won the match with a comfortable score. They were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute. However, Ria Percival hit the woodwork. The match ended with the Ferns taking pole position in Group A.
Meanwhile, Australia have also defeated Ireland, who were making their maiden World Cup appearance, by a solitary goal in a second opening match of the night in Sydney.
The co-hosts, who had to work hard for their victory, scored from the boot of Arsenal’s Stephanie Catley, who converted a penalty in the 52nd minute. It was what the doctor has ordered for the co-hosts, as they lead their respective groups.
The World Cup continues tomorrow with Group A, B, and C in action. In Group A, Switzerland will take on the Philippines, the African giants, Nigeria, will take on Canada in Group B and Spain will take on Costa Rica in Group C.