In the opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup at Eden Park, co-host New Zealand secured a thrilling 1-0 victory over one-time champions Norway, resulting in an adrenaline rush and tears of joy from the players and coaching staff.
Although the first half concluded without any goals, the excitement escalated just three minutes into the second half when Hannah Wilkinson emerged as the hero.
She skillfully directed Jacqui Hand’s cross into the net, propelling the Football Ferns into the lead in front of an enthusiastic crowd of over 40,000 spectators.
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Meanwhile, the Norwegian team, surprisingly underperforming for most of the match, came close to scoring their first goal in the 81st minute, but Tuva Hansen’s shot narrowly missed its target as it struck the crossbar.
In the 90th minute, New Zealand had an opportunity to score their first penalty in a FIFA Women’s World Cup when the ball hit Hansen’s hand.
However, the national team’s most capped player (164 appearances) hit the crossbar with her shot.
Wilkinson’s goal stood as the sole score of the game, securing New Zealand’s first-ever victory in a FIFA World Cup tournament after 32 years and 16 matches.
The historic moment was celebrated with joy as the New Zealand players and staff rushed onto the pitch immediately after the final whistle, exchanging hugs and shedding tears of happiness.
