The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup got off to a flying start as co-hosts New Zealand cruised to a stunning victory over Norway, marking their first win at the global stage.
A #FIFAWWC goal that will live long in the memory of @NZ_Football fans. 🇳🇿#BeautifulMoments with @Xero pic.twitter.com/v14t5qUgqm
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 20, 2023
The remarkable match came in Auckland, where the football fans created a frenzy, led by Hannah Wilkinson’s decisive goal that enthralled an enthusiastic crowd of 42,137 at Eden Park – a record attendance for a football match in New Zealand.
Before the game, a moment of silence was observed to honor the victims of the tragic shooting in Oakland earlier that day, underscoring the significance of the start of the tournament. The atmosphere at Eden Park was electric, as loyal New Zealand fans eagerly awaited the team’s long-awaited moment since being named co-hosts with Australia.
Wilkinson’s breakthrough came in the 48th minute, prompting cheers in the stands. Norway, the 1995 World Cup champions, tried to equalize after Wilkinson’s goal, but Arsenal’s Freda Mannem poked the ball wide and missed a great chance.
Throughout the match, New Zealand showed exceptional resilience and competitive spirit as they clashed with their opponents. Norway had 12 attempts on goal, including a close-range shot from Tova Hansen that hit the bar, and a late effort from Goro Reiten that unfortunately went wide. New Zealand goalkeeper, Aurora Mickelson, made a crucial diving save to prevent Ali Reilly from doubling the lead.
The game also featured a moment of emotion, as players Ria Percival and Ali Reilly, both making their fifth World Cup appearances, broke down in tears during the national anthem, expressing their deep pride in representing their country on such a big stage.
Norway, on the other hand, fell short of expectations, and now face a challenging match against Switzerland in Hamilton to avoid another early tournament exit. Despite an array of individual talent at their disposal, Norway failed to gain momentum during the match. Manager Hugh Rice stressed that the team’s under-par display could not be attributed to earlier events in Auckland.
For New Zealand, the victory was historic, and the excitement among fans and players was palpable. The opening game of the tournament was a testament to the global popularity of women’s football, with FIFA predicting that the tournament will be watched by two billion people worldwide.
New Zealand’s victory in front of a partisan home crowd promises to be a thrilling and memorable Women’s World Cup. As the journey unfolds, fans eagerly await more spectacular matches, unexpected twists, and the emergence of new footballing heroes on the grandest stage in women’s football.
