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.
