New Zealand women’s national soccer team claimed their historical first World Cup victory after defeating Norway at the opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Hannah Wilkinson scored the only goal for the co-hosts in the 48th minute to give a positive impetus to her team.
New Zealand started the match strongly, but Norway equalized the game. In the first half both teams have 4 attempts to score each, but all were missed. Midfielder Frida Leonhardsen-Maanum lashed the ball over the bar from close range, before Ada Hegerberg was brilliantly denied the chance to open the scoring by a superb Rebekah Stott tackle.
During the first half there was a little higher ball possession was for New Zealand.
In the second half, Jacqui Hand opened a space to pick out Hannah Wilkinson in the middle to rifle home and score in the 48th minute. This was her third World Cup goal. Norway piled on the pressure in search of an equalizer and only a world-class save from Victoria Esson denied them. The defense and goalkeeper of New Zealand survived during the next minutes and this brought the historical first World Cup victory for New Zealand.
Thus, New Zealand heads Group A with 3 pts, while Norways is last with 0 pts. Switzerland and Philippines will play on June 21.
