New Zealand registered their first-ever win in their Women’s World Cup by beating Norway 1-0 in the 2023 tournament curtain-raiser. A 48th-minute strike from veteran striker Hannah Wilkson helped her nation create history. The most capped footballer from New Zealand with 161, Ria Percival’s spot-kick hit the crossbar later on in the game but the Black Ferns hold on for the jubilation for the record attendance. Norway lacked teeth in their attack as they failed to get real control of the game. Tuva Hansen’s shot was tipped onto the post by Victoria Esson. Frida Maanum and Guro Reiten failed to direct their shot on goal in only half-chances the 1995 winners created the entire 90 plus more minutes.
The night belonged to the co-hosts of the tournament as they began with a shock and will like to keep the winning run going against the Philippines in their next group match. The result means Hege Riise’s have all to do against a tough opponent in Switzerland to keep their chances alive in the competition. They will not hope to make it like the European championship last summer where they exited from the group stages in a humiliating way.
Stats and Records
First
32 years and 15 games later, New Zealand obtained their first win in a World Cup across both men’s and women’s senior tournaments. They have drawn three and lost 16 of those previously.
Second
After winning in seven consecutive Women’s World Cup openers, Norway lost for the first time since 1991. That time too they failed to score a goal as China won the match 4-0.
Also Second
This was also the second-ever clean sheet New Zealand managed at this stage since their 0-0 draw against Canada in the 2015 Women’s World Cup. They also faced two shots on target against Norway, their fewest at the competition on record since 2011.
Three
Hannah Wilkson has now scored in three different editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2011, 2015 and now 2023. No other player from New Zealand has netted more than once at this stage.
Zero
With Ria Percival failing to score from the spot, New Zealand have not found the back of the net from a penalty in a FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Sixth
New Zealand are participating in their sixth Women’s World Cup and their fifth in a row. This is the first time they are hosting it alongside Australia.
40K plus
A record 42,137 fans attended the World Cup opener today. It is the highest attendance for a men's or women's football game in New Zealand.
