By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
A 48th minute goal from the boots of Hannah Wilkinson was all the New Zealand needed to defeat Norway in the opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup played earlier today at Eden Park, Auckland.
The victory was New Zealand‘s win in the country’s 15 matches in the World Cup in 32 years and will definitely fire the All Blacks up to go all the way in the competition.
Wilkinson who played her club football for Melbourne City in the Australian W-League scored from inside of the Norway box after she was left on marked.
Also, Wilkinson’s strike ensured the host nation got up and running with a victory in this tournament, deservedly seeing off an under-par Norway team, despite New Zealand’s veteran Ria Percival missing a late penalty.
The co-host country had dominated the Europeans and former FIFA Women’s World Cup winners and
their dominance took its toll not long after the half-time break, though, as Jacqui Hand broke rapidly down the right flank and fed Wilkinson to score emphatically with a first-time finish.
The goal sparked wild scenes of celebration by the 42,000 home supporters and was nearly followed by a quickfire second, with Riley’s left-footed rocket almost doubling the lead only for Aurora Mikalsen to tip it wide.
Although Ria Percival agonisingly missed the penalty towards the end of the match, the New Zealanders managed to defend their post with grit until the final whistle after which the players, officials and home fans celebrated like New Zealand has already won the World Cup.
