Players and referees line up ahead of the Group A match between New Zealand and Norway at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand, July 20, 2023. (silubaba/Bai Xuefei)
AUCKLAND, July 20 (silubaba) -- New Zealand celebrated a historic victory on Thursday at a nearly full Eden Park, edging Norway 1-0 in the opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
This triumph put an end to its previous poor campaign performance. In its five World Cup outings, New Zealand failed to reap any victory in the past 15 games.
The winning goal was scored by Hannah Wilkinson in front of 42,137 spectators, while Ria Percival failed to add the second as her penalty was thwarted later by the woodwork.
"I still have goosebumps, I still have emotions in me. We have waited this moment for such a long time and having this opportunity at home, beating Norway, hearing our fans behind us, that's just an unforgettable moment for me," New Zealand's coach Jitka Klimkova commented at the post-match press conference.
Co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, the ninth edition of the Women's World Cup is slated to run from July 20 to August 20. This is the first time the tournament is hosted by more than one country and includes 32 teams.
A shooting in Auckland on Thursday morning left three people, including the gunman, dead and six others injured, casting a pall over the Women's World Cup's outlook.
"FIFA extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims following the incident," said the organization, which also observed a moment of silence before the match's kickoff.
New Zealand, with a historically poorer record against Norway who boasted three victories from equal official matches, fielded Alexandra Riley in her fifth World Cup appearance. Ada Hegerberg, the women's Ballon d'Or winner, spearheaded Norway's frontline.
The first half was rather lacklustre, devoid of any goals. New Zealand, however, emerged strong after the break with a well-coordinated play. Jacqui Hand initiated the move from their own territory, sprinted down the right, and rolled the ball across for Wilkinson to tap in from close range, marking her third World Cup goal.
Norway nearly equalized in the 81st minute, but Tuva Hansen's attempt met the crossbar.
A penalty was awarded to New Zealand in the 90th minute after a VAR review, but Percival missed the chance, hitting the bar.
The away team made a final push in the closing minutes, but it proved fruitless against the steadfast defense of New Zealand players.
The final whistle triggered a roar of cheers throughout the stadium, and some players were unable to hold back their tears, celebrating their historic victory.
"I really believe this World Cup will wake up a lot of passion of football in New Zealand, we want to keep inspiring with those performances like today, like tonight, this is just the beginning," said Klimkova. Enditem
Players of New Zealand line up ahead of the Group A match between New Zealand and Norway at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand, July 20, 2023. (silubaba/Zhu Wei)
Hannah Wilkinson of New Zealand celebrates scoring during the group A match between New Zealand and Norway at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand, July 20, 2023. (silubaba/Bai Xuefei)
Hannah Wilkinson (4th L) of New Zealand celebrates scoring with her teammate Katie Bowen during the group A match between New Zealand and Norway at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand, July 20, 2023. (silubaba/Bai Xuefei)
Hannah Wilkinson (3rd L) of New Zealand celebrates scoring with her teammates during the group A match between New Zealand and Norway at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand, July 20, 2023. (silubaba/Bai Xuefei)
Hannah Wilkinson (C) of New Zealand shoots to score during the group A match between New Zealand and Norway at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand, July 20, 2023. (silubaba/Bai Xuefei)
Hannah Wilkinson (R) of New Zealand vies with Mathilde Harviken of Norway during the group A match between New Zealand and Norway at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand, July 20, 2023. (silubaba/Qin Lang)
Gabi Rennie (L) of New Zealand vies with Maren Mjelde of Norway during the group A match between New Zealand and Norway at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand, July 20, 2023. (silubaba/Bai Xuefei)
Players of of New Zealand celebrate after the group A match between New Zealand and Norway at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand, July 20, 2023. (silubaba/Qin Lang)
Substitution players of of New Zealand celebrate after the group A match between New Zealand and Norway at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand, July 20, 2023. (silubaba/Guo Lei)
Hannah Wilkinson (C) of New Zealand celebrates with teammates during the group A match between New Zealand and Norway at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand, July 20, 2023. (silubaba/Bai Xuefei)
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