The 2023 FIFA women’s world Cup began with a lots of frenzy and exciting football moments with one of the co hosts of the tournament New Zealand grabbing its first win in the World cup’s history.
New Zealand shocked Norway 1-0 in Auckland, thanks to a stunning Hannah Wilkinson stunning goal just after half-time.
For so long, winning a World Cup game had proved to be an elusive goal for New Zealand. The Football Ferns’ previous five appearances in women’s tournaments had yielded not a single victory while the men also have not secured a win in their two World Cup appearances.
New Zealand have played more Women’s World Cup matches without winning than any other country in the tournament’s history (P15; D3, L12).
In the 48th minute, there was a rapid break down the right, Wilkinson lashed on to a cross from the flank and colly slotted the ball past the Norwegian goalie for the only goal of the encounter
The goal threw Eden Park into wild jubilations from the home fans.
Her goal ensured New Zealand’s first-ever World Cup victory in its sixth visit to women’s soccer’s showcase event.