The co-hosts, New Zealand, marked an impressive opening for the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup, as they celebrated their inaugural victory on the international platform against Norway.
The Eden Park in Auckland hosted a triumphant evening, as the Football Ferns staged an unexpected victory. The standout moment of the match was when Hannah Wilkinson, following a perfect cross from Jacqui Hand, secured the winning goal, cheered on by a record-breaking crowd of 42,137, the largest ever for a football game in New Zealand.
Ria Percival’s missed penalty during the 89th minute, resulting from a handball by Tuva Hansen, did little to dull the elation.
Supporters in droves stood by their team, which had previously not won in their last 15 World Cup games, but were rewarded as Wilkinson scored the deciding goal during the 48th minute, leading to jubilant celebrations in the stadium.
Despite being the 1995 world champions, Norway missed an equalizing opportunity shortly after Wilkinson’s goal, as Frida Maanum from Arsenal missed a brilliant chance.
New Zealand held their ground against Norway, even forcing a diving save from Aurora Mikalsen to deny Ali Riley from doubling their lead.
A minute of silence was observed before the game began, honouring the victims of a tragic shooting incident that took place in Auckland earlier the same day.
New Zealand had been eagerly awaiting this moment for three years since they were announced as co-hosts along with Australia in 2020.
FIFA anticipates that the tournament will reach two billion viewers globally. With the world’s attention on the opening match at Eden Park, the local crowd relished the spectacle.
Emotions ran high as both Percival and Riley, participating in their fifth World Cup, fought back tears during the national anthems. The excitement reached its peak when play began, followed by an opening ceremony that culminated in a dazzling display of fireworks, causing waves of excitement among the audience.
Cheers echoed from the stands whenever the home team threatened, and a well-timed challenge by Brighton defender Rebekah Stott to deny Ada Hegerberg the first goal received standing ovation. But nothing compared to the uproar following Wilkinson’s goal, her first since the 2015 World Cup hosted in New Zealand.
The home team had to withstand ten minutes of additional time before they could revel in a victory they will remember for a lifetime.
Despite this being their sixth Women’s World Cup appearance, New Zealand had never won a game in the tournament prior to this match.
Norway coach Hege Riise had said prior to the tournament that her team was looking forward to playing against a passionate home crowd. However, the team failed to meet expectations, and now faces a challenging match against Switzerland in Hamilton next Tuesday. They aim to prevent another early exit from the tournament after a subpar performance.
Following the match, Riise revealed that the team had been awakened by “helicopters and police outside the team hotel” due to the shooting in Auckland. But she denied that this had any impact on their game. “Some players slept through it,” Riise added. “It hasn’t affected us in how we performed in the game. We didn’t get any momentum at all.”
Norway had 12 attempts at goal, including two in the last few moments, but failed to score.
During this disappointing performance, Tuva Hansen’s shot was deflected off the bar by Victoria Esson while Guro Reiten fluffed a late attempt.
Hannah Wilkinson was named the Player of the Match with an impressive average of 8.55.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about New Zealand Women’s World Cup victory
Who won the opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup?
New Zealand won the opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, defeating Norway 1-0.
Who scored the decisive goal for New Zealand in the match against Norway?
Hannah Wilkinson scored the decisive goal for New Zealand in the match against Norway.
How many people attended the match at Eden Park?
A record-breaking crowd of 42,137 people attended the match at Eden Park.
Was this New Zealand’s first win in the Women’s World Cup?
Yes, this was New Zealand’s first-ever win in the Women’s World Cup.
Who was named the Player of the Match in the game between New Zealand and Norway?
Hannah Wilkinson was named the Player of the Match in the game between New Zealand and Norway.
What was the impact of the missed penalty by Ria Percival in the 89th minute?
Despite the missed penalty by Ria Percival in the 89th minute, it didn’t dampen the victory celebrations as New Zealand had already scored a goal.
How did Norway perform in the match?
Norway had several attempts at the goal, but failed to score. Despite having the 1995 world champions on their team, they failed to deliver an equalizer after Wilkinson’s goal.
More about New Zealand Women’s World Cup victory
- FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
- New Zealand Football
- Norway Women’s National Football Team
- History of Women’s World Cup
- Eden Park, Auckland
6 comments
Wow, cant believe it. NZ finally wins a match in the womens world cup! Wilkinson’s our hero!!
Wilkinson, you beauty!! that goal is gonna be replayed for years to come!! NZ making history.
Not our best day. we shouldve done better. Still believe in our girls, we’ll bounce back.
Hats off to NZ! they’ve waited long for this and deserve it. But missed penalty was a close call. Could’ve changed everything.
tears in my eyes, so proud of our football ferns! what a historic moment, gonna remember this day forever.
Big ups to all the fans, turning up in such huge numbers… 42137! Eden Park was on fire, loved the energy!