New Zealand beat Norway to clinch historic win in Women’s World Cup
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New Zealand's Hannah Wilkinson celebrating after scoring in the 1-0 Women's World Cup win over Norway at Eden Park in Auckland on July 20, 2023.
PHOTO: AFP
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AUCKLAND – History was created on several fronts as New Zealand kicked off the Women’s World Cup in style by claiming the scalp of former champions Norway at a raucous Eden Park on Thursday.
A 1-0 win, courtesy of Hannah Wilkinson’s second-half goal, helped them secure their first-ever victory – for both men and women – at the football showpiece.
The Football Ferns had failed to win a game in their five previous World Cup appearances.
Their build-up to this tournament was also far from perfect, enduring a 10-match winless streak before beating Vietnam in a friendly earlier in July.
Not surprisingly, pundits were saying before the game that even a draw against the 1995 champions would have counted as a major accomplishment.
However, the team had clearly not read the script.
Wilkinson turned in a low cross from Jacqui Hand in the 48th minute, stunning their much-fancied opponents and sparking deafening cheer from the 42,137 fans in attendance – the largest crowd for a football game in New Zealand.
Citing the “amazing support” as what made the difference, Wilkinson said: “Honestly it means the world.
“I’m just really glad that I could do that for my country and do it in New Zealand in front of a home crowd and make our nation proud.”
Norway, who are world No. 12, were disappointing and disjointed and rarely looked as if they would get back on level terms against their 26th-ranked hosts. Their best chance came from Tuva Hansen’s right-footed effort, which ricocheted back off the crossbar in the 81st minute.
Ria Percival could have put the game to bed with a 90th-minute penalty, awarded with referee Yoshimi Yamashita announcing the video assistant referee’s decision – the first time it was done at a senior international match.
Her effort hit the crossbar, however, setting up a nervy finish in the nine added minutes.
Norway threw players forward in search of an equaliser but the stout Ferns’ defence held firm, even against the likes of Ada Hegerberg, the inaugural Ballon d’Or Feminin winner.
When the full-time whistle was blown, the stadium erupted in a deafening roar while the players celebrated. An emotional New Zealand coach Jitka Klimkova buried her face in her hands in disbelief.
“I knew it means so much for them but seeing them having tears in their eyes and enjoying it in front of their families and friends and fans, (is an) incredible moment for me as a coach,” said the Czech.
She believes that they had given more inspiration to the daughter of New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who congratulated the team in the dressing room.
Captain Ali Riley said they wanted to “bring something positive” after a shooting in Auckland hours earlier left three dead.
The win put New Zealand on track towards their goal of advancing to the knockout stage. They next face debutantes the Philippines on Tuesday.
Norway, who face Switzerland on Tuesday, were left to rue their dismal performance.
“This is not what we had anticipated,” said captain Maren Mjelde. “We woke up in the last 25 minutes but it was too late.”
Forward Caroline Hansen said they “might as well just go home” if they cannot improve on their performance. REUTERS
