New Zealand made a good start to their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup thanks to a goal from Hannah Wilkinson who sealed the victory for his team against Norway (1-0).
The atmosphere was concerning earlier in the morning in Auckland, the biggest city in New Zealand after a deadly short made 3 victims and 6 injured.
Local authorities reassured all the teams that evryhting will go as planned and they don’t have to fear after discussions with FIFA officials.
The game started with a minute of silence in the memory of those who lost their lives.
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Supported by thousands of their fans who came in number for this opening game at Eden Park, New Zealand deployed a good football.
However, Jitka Klimková’s girls could not find the back of the net in the first half as Norway defended well despite adversity.
New Zealand got the opportinuty to score in the early minutes of the second stanza and Hannah Wilkinson converted it in style (48th minute).
Ria Percival could have mde it a 2-0 win but she missed a penalty in the 90th minute.
It’s a great achievement for New Zealand as this is their very first win in men and women’s World Cup. They only need another win to make it through to last 16 round and better their history.
Line-ups
New Zealand XI : Esson – Bott, Stott, Bowen, Riley – I. Riley, Percival, Steinmetz, Hasset – Hand, Wilkinson.
Norway XI : Mikalsen – Hansen, Harviken, Mjelde, Bjelde – Reiten, Maanum, Engend, Blackstad, Hegerberg, Graham Hansen.