New Zealand shock Norway with a 1-0 win in opening match
Hannah Wilkinson scores for New Zealand. The 2023 Women’s World Cup opens with the Football Ferns playing Norway at Eden Park in Auckland. Follow live updates from the NZ vs NOR game. Photograph: Phil Walter/Getty Images
By Ed Emeanua
New Zealand’ Football Fern gets us going in this dual hosted FIFA Womens World Cup to a befitting kickoff for a worthy cohost of the most glamorous sporting fiesta on earth at the Eden Park in Auckland.
But it was Arsenal of England’s midfielder, Frida Maanum spurring Norway’s attacking intent early on as she attempted a skillful flick in the second minute that failed to connect.
The hosts continued to dominate the proceeding but it was the Gresshoppene that was always looking the sharper side to score first.
In the seventh minute, Ada Hegerberg provided yet again one more indication of her huge talent with an acrobatic bicycle kick. New Zealand escaped what should have been a set back as her mistimed effort sails over the bar.
The match continued on the ding-dong-mode dragging the course of the encounter to a scoreless first half ending.
In the second half, New Zealand came out the more spritely side and had instant success. The Ferns takes the lead as Hannah Wilkinson’s 48′ goal sends Eden Park into ecstasy. Jacqueline Anne Hand breaks down the right hand with her inch perfect cross just superb for Wilkinson to just tap home.
Wilkinson goal becomes the first of the 2023 Womens World Cup and what a goal on an emotional day of such in Auckland. New Zealand are now on sure to win their first ever game at a World Cup. Norway, meanwhile are shell-shocked.
Ria Percival should have sealed the win for New Zealand in the but her penalty kick struck the post in the 89th minute. Aurora Mikalsen in goal for Norway was clearly beaten, but the ball collides with the upright to miss the mark by the margins.
Referee Yoshimi Yamashita of Japan’s final whistle signaled a befitting win for the Football Ferns who withstood so much immense pressure to stun their more prestigious 12th ranked opponent in the world, to send an appreciative nation into a rapturous jubilation.
