As tournament co-hosts, it was always going to be a memorable Women’s World Cup for New Zealand. But the Football Ferns made sure no one would ever forget their opening match, securing their first-ever World Cup win in either men’s and women’s soccer history with a 1–0 victory over Norway on Thursday.
Hannah Wilkinson proved to be the hero for New Zealand by scoring the opening goal of the tournament in the 48th minute, sending Eden Park into a frenzy.
Former Colorado College forward Jacqui Hand sprung the quick counterattack, sprinting down the right wing before sending a perfect cross into the box that found a trailing Wilkinson. The University of Tennessee alumna has now scored in three World Cups.
What a moment for New Zealand! Hannah Wilkinson has scored the first goal of the 2023 Women’s World Cup!
— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) July 20, 2023
(via @FOXSoccer)pic.twitter.com/AAkDOz9L3D
New Zealand easily could have doubled its lead in the 90th minute if not for a missed penalty. After a VAR review ruled a Norway handball inside the box in the 88th minute, Tottenham midfielder Ria Percival stepped to the penalty spot and struck the post.
The match set a record for the most-attended soccer match in New Zealand history with 42,137 people at Auckland’s Eden Park. The match was preceded by a moving opening ceremony centered around First Nations and indigenous communities.
New Zealand will look to build off its opening win when it faces the Philippines in Wellington on Tuesday while Norway could potentially face elimination with a loss against Switzerland in its second game.
