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The match report and observations as historic co-hosts New Zealand begin 2023 FIFAWWC in style against Norway.
FIFAWWC co-hosts New Zealand have made world cup history after a stunning start to the ninth world cup against Norway.
New Zealand sealed a first-ever win at the FIFAWWC after a narrow 1-0 win over former champions Norway in the tournament’s opener at Eden Park, Auckland, on Thursday morning.
Hannah Wilkinson wrote her name in New Zealand’s history books after she scored the winner in the second half.
New Zealand vs Norway: Match brief
It was the seventh meeting between New Zealand and Norway at the international level, with the Europeans going into the game as favourites.
Norway hoped to extend their run against the co-hosts to five wins while New Zealand, with just a win in the previous six against their visitors, looked to close the gap between them.
The home side started with great intent and dominated most of the encounter backed by a record crowd.
However, despite their dominance, the home side lacked the needed penetration and cutting edge to make it count as there was nothing to separate both sides at the break.
The Breakthrough for New Zealand
After the break, the co-hosts continued from where they stopped and this time, they found a way behind the visitors to earn a deserved lead.
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Wilkinson was the heroine as she easily tucked home from a beautiful low cross from teammate Jacqui Hand.
It was a deserved lead for the home side who had dominated and done everything but score before the deadlock finally arrived.
Norway fights back
Former champions Norway will not go down without a fight and going behind seemed to have revived them as they piled on the pressure on their host.
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However, they also struggled to find a way behind a well-drilled New Zealand backline but did rattle the woodwork late on through left-back Tuva Hansen.
Late drama
New Zealand had a chance to double their lead and seal the win when the referee awarded a penalty two minutes before the 90.
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The referee’s attention was called by the VAR and after a review, pointed to the spot. However, Ria Percival stepped up to rattle the woodwork instead to ensure tense final minutes to the game with Norway re-energised by her miss from 12 yards.
New Zealand vs Norway: Major Observations
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22:14 - 19.07.2023
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The opening match of the ninth FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFAWWC, is done and dusted with co-hosts, New Zealand is off to a flying start.
After that narrow but historic win against former champions, what were the observations or lessons from the entertaining clash?
Here are some of the lessons learnt from the FIFAWWC opener between New Zealand and Norway.
1. Hannah Wilkinson’s goal was the first goal scored by a New Zealander in over five hours of World Cup action.
2. Record Crowd
New Zealand’s shock win was watched or witnessed by a crowd of over 40,000 at Eden Park, Auckland. It is the biggest crowd to watch a football match in New Zealand - yes, not even the men have pulled such a record crowd.
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3. Historic Win
New Zealand’s win against Norway saw them record their first-ever win at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
It has taken the Oceanic nation 15 matches to achieve that feat and what a time and place to finally end the hoodoo, at home and in front of your home support and against a former world champion.
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4. Hannah Wilkinson’s world cup record
The star of the day netted the winner against the Norwegian and recorded her third goal in four FIFAWWC appearances.
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