In a historic triumph for New Zealand’s national soccer team, the women’s squad pulled off a remarkable upset against heavily favored Norway, securing a momentous 1-0 victory to kickstart the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Before the match commenced at the prestigious Eden Park, a touching moment of silence was observed to pay tribute to the unfortunate victims of a tragic shooting that occurred just miles away in Auckland early Thursday morning. Among the casualties were two individuals, and five others, including a police officer, sustained injuries. Despite the unsettling incident, authorities, including New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, reassured the public that it was not perceived as a national security threat or a risk to the smooth conduct of the World Cup tournament.
“The government has spoken to FIFA organizers this morning and the tournament will proceed as planned,” Hipkins said.
And, indeed, it did with New Zealand, ranked No. 26 in the world, taking on No. 12-ranked Norway in a Group A match, which set a record for attendance for any soccer match in New Zealand history, men’s or women’s with more than 42,100 people in attendance, CNN Sports reported.
In the 48th minute of the match, New Zealand’s Hannah Wilkinson scored a crucial close-range goal, converting a cross from her teammate Jacqui Hand, breaking the deadlock and securing a lead. Towards the end of regulation time, New Zealand had a chance to extend their advantage when awarded a penalty kick. However, Ria Percival’s shot hit the crossbar in the 90th minute, leaving the score unchanged.
Following this exciting encounter, the co-hosts Australia will clash with Ireland in Sydney for the first match of Group B later on Thursday.
Over the course of the next month, 32 teams will vie for victory in more than 60 matches hosted across 10 venues in Australia and New Zealand. Despite being two distinct countries with different football backgrounds, Australia has enjoyed more international success in the sport, while New Zealand is renowned as a rugby-dominated nation. Until Thursday’s victory, the New Zealand women’s team had never won a game in the World Cup, whether in the men’s or women’s tournament.
The formidable U.S. Women’s National Team, holding the top rank, enters the competition as the two-time defending champion, heavily favored to clinch victory once again. With nine players from the 2019 championship team, including stars like Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Julie Ertz, the U.S. team is well-equipped to face their first opponents, Vietnam, this weekend in New Zealand, where they are seen as the clear favorites.