The 2023 Women’s World Cup kicked off with an unexpected upset as as co-hosts New Zealand stunned Group A favorites Norway with a 1-0 victory in front of a record 42,137 crowd at Eden Park in Auckland.
This was the first time that the New Zealand women’s national team (or men’s team) have won a World Cup game.
On a day that should have been highlighted with celebrations began with tragedy. A gunman shot and killed two people in the same city that hosted the Women’s World Cup opener, Auckland.
A moment of silence was held before the Women’s World Cup opener between hosts New Zealand and Norway.
A moment of silence is held before kickoff of New Zealand vs Norway in honor of those lost in the tragic shooting that took place earlier today in New Zealand pic.twitter.com/Q2SshiYB2y
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 20, 2023
New Zealand vs Norway highlights
The first half was a stalemate as the Football Ferns weren’t overwhelmed with the duty of hosting and held powerhouse Norway in the opening 45 minutes.
Norwegian star Ada Hegerberg had the best chance in the first half but was denied by a great block.
Ada Hegerberg nearly capitalizes after a brilliant individual run from Caroline Graham Hansen pic.twitter.com/fBgQ5DfYKY
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 20, 2023
After a great opening half by New Zealand, they kept up the momentum and snatched the game-winning goal in the 48th minute. Hannah Wilkinson scored from close range on the end of a beautiful New Zealand attack.
NEW ZEALAND'S HANNAH WILKINSON SCORES THE FIRST GOAL OF THE 2023 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP pic.twitter.com/oyN68u0Vhb
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 20, 2023
This was Wilkinson’s third time scoring in a World Cup and a historical moment for New Zealand.
3 - Hannah Wilkinson has now scored in three different editions of the #FIFAWWC (2011, 2015 and 2023), while no other New Zealand player has netted in more than one. Reference. pic.twitter.com/6cKXLF3eai
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 20, 2023
The early second half goal set up a nervy 45 minutes for New Zealand as Norway pushed for the equalizer.
Despite defending a lead, the Football Ferns still produced quality chances including a great effort in the 62nd minute.
An excellent effort and an even better save from Norway's Aurora Mikalsen pic.twitter.com/4RQCYqzabw
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 20, 2023
Norway’s closest chance in the second half came in the 81st minute with a dangerous shot that ricocheted off the crossbar.
OFF THE BAR FOR NORWAY pic.twitter.com/8dWruZnhgm
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 20, 2023
New Zealand had a chance for breathing space in the 90th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick. Ria Percival stepped up for the spot kick but failed to convert in dramatic fashion.
RIA PERCIVAL SENDS IT OFF THE POST FROM THE SPOT pic.twitter.com/0AENSRbeGv
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 20, 2023
Football Fern fans were nervous when nine minutes of stoppage time were added, but the hosts held on for a historic victory.
A MOMENT NEW ZEALAND FANS WILL NEVER FORGET
New Zealand earns its first ever FIFA World Cup win with a 1-0 victory over Norway! pic.twitter.com/YOzlMGnE1R— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 20, 2023
The upset makes Group A a free-for-all as New Zealand sit on top of the group with Switzerland and Philippines playing on Friday.
What an unexpected start to the tournament.
