The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 kicked off on Thursday with a match between co-hosts New Zealand and Norway. Not considered favorites for the match, the New Zealand team created a sensation by securing a 1-0 victory.
In the first major surprise of the Women’s World Cup, which began on Thursday, the tournament started with the Group A match between New Zealand, one of the host countries, and Norway, one of the favorites to win the title. With strong support from the home crowd, the New Zealand team shocked Norway by securing a narrow 1-0 victory.
The only goal of the match was scored by Hannah Wilkinson, the forward from Melbourne City, who finished off a beautiful team play, igniting Auckland’s Eden Park. Wilkinson becomes the first goal scorer of the tournament, marking a historic moment for the Football Ferns. The victory not only marks New Zealand’s first-ever win in a World Cup match but also puts them at the top of Group A. The team will look to build on this magnificent win when they face the Philippines in Wellington on Tuesday.
On the other hand, the Norwegian team, considered the heavy favorites, disappointed in their opening match of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. This defeat puts Ada Hegerberg and her teammates in a difficult position for the rest of the competition. They will need to bounce back when they face Switzerland next Tuesday.
