2023-07-20 12:16:03
New Zealand have won the opening match of the Women’s World Cup, which they are hosting with Australia. At Eden Park in Auckland, they beat Norway 1-0 in Group A.
Never before have the New Zealanders managed to win a match in the final phase of a World Cup. They achieved this thanks to a goal from Hannah Wilkinson in the 48th minute, on a good cross from Jacqui Hand after a well-rounded counter.
The Norwegians, generally disappointing, almost equalized in the 80th on a shot from Tuva Hansen deflected fingertips on her bar by Victoria Esson. New Zealand had the opportunity to ensure a less stressful end to the match when they benefited from a penalty, but Mia Percival sent the ball on the crossbar (89th).
These two teams play in Group A, which is also that of Switzerland and the Philippines, who will face off on Friday. This group looks relatively indecisive and balanced, because New Zealand has already caused some surprise with this deserved victory against Norway, which for its part will have to significantly raise the level of its game if it does not intend to return home after 3 matches.
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