Hosts New Zealand break 30+ year duck in underdog 1-0 victory over Norway in opening game of 2023 Women's World Cup

Jubilation amongst the Kiwi squad, Jose Hernandez/Getty images

Auckland, NZ: In a shocking turn of events, yet typical for World Cup games, upstarts New Zealand beat favorites Norway 1-0 in the opening group stage match of the 2022 Women’s World Cup, being jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand. With a record attendance crowd of around 42,000 at Eden Park, Auckland; majority of them dreaming for a fairytale victory, their prayers were perhaps answered by a significant underperformance by the Norwegians, ranked 12th in the FIFA rankings, as opposed to New Zealand’s 26th. But this is not to discount the Football Ferns, as their brave, attacking football resulted in plenty (12 to be exact) shots, with the sole goal, courtesy of Hannah Wilkinson of Melbourne City-fame in the 48th minute, making all the difference.

The opening game seemed to be in danger of getting overshadowed by a tragedy taking place in the morning in Auckland, following a shooting which took the lives of two. But the show went on; an awe-inspiring opening ceremony featuring a traditional haka (a ceremonial Māori war dance) from a local Māori collective was followed by a poignant minute of silence dedicated to the victims of the morning incident. On this note, the attendees were treated to an exciting display of football by the Kiwi women, who prior to the match, were being thought of as nothing more than three easy points for Norway.

However, it seemed as if the ghosts of the recent Euros are still plaguing the Norwegian squad, where they crashed out in the group stages. Star players like Mjelde, Reiten (both playing for Chelsea), Hansen (Barcelona) and Hegerberg (Lyon) among others underperformed significantly, as highlighted by the relatively poorer passing accuracy during buildup. The Gresshoppene (“grasshoppers” in Norwegian, nickname for Norwegian women’s NT) actually didn’t start badly; getting some decent crosses in, only to miss out on them. Considering how the rest of the game went, the Norwegians would be kicking themselves in retrospect.

But again, one cannot discredit the Kiwis, as their valiant, last-gasp defending made life hell for the star-studded Norwegian offense, with defenders Stott and Steinmetz providing crucial blocks in the box, especially at the 37th minute mark. Steinmetz was a particular standout, the no. 6 being an anchor in her team’s buildup, which sought for a very direct approach, laying off long balls to either wingers, who liked getting into 1v1s with the defenders and threading crosses inside the box. On the other hand, her defensive contribution was crucial and a recurrent theme throughout the match, as Norway kept getting forced into turnovers in the middle third. Clearances were lacklustre as well, as Steinmetz had near omnipresence, always ready to recycle loose balls to generate attacking opportunities. 

Kiwi defensive resiliency was a constant thorn in Norway’s side; Phil Walter/Getty Images

The Kiwis seemed to inch closer and closer, and finally it happened; at the break of the second half, Norway sought to press high and get an early goal in. To their devastation, New Zealand’s goal kick bypassed most of the lines of pressure, finding Jaquine Hand who bolted on to the right wing. A textbook cross found Wilkinson in the perfect spot, and she did not miss. 48 minutes (plus half time) of electric anticipation found its outlet, and Eden Park erupted. 

The perfect setup for Hannah Wilkinson; Phil Walter/Getty images

The rest of the game was a springboard for the relentless Kiwi offence. Norway, however, answered back at a couple of moments; a fluid run onto the wings found Maanum in the box for what seemed like a certain goal, only for Maanum to kick it agonizingly wide. Frustration was certainly setting in, as Norway kept giving away careless fouls. Riley, the young Kiwi winger, was one of Norway’s biggest nuisances in that regard. Wriggling her way into the box, she even tried for a picturesque shot from outside the box in the 63rd minute, saved by Mikalsen in equally artistic manner. With confidence at a maximum, Wilkinson was found in acres of space in the 77th minute near the box, cutting back towards Percival who came inches away from making it 2-0. That wouldn’t be her only regret, as in the 88th minute Percival missed a penalty, awarded after VAR spotted a handball right on the edge of the box. Norway would attempt to get some desperate chances in, particularly in the 81st minute, as Hansen’s long range shot found the crossbar, and again in the 98th minute, as Reiten missed another

chance gone begging. 

A tantalizing miss for Ria Percival; Phil Walter/Getty Images

Much to the audience’s relief, the full-time whistle blew, and it was over. New Zealand, who have won just one match (a friendly against Vietnam earlier this month) in 2023, who haven’t won a single World Cup game despite this being their 6th appearance in the tournament, claimed the unlikeliest of victories in front of the perfect audience. "We wanted to inspire young girls, young people around this country and around the world, and I really think we did that tonight... anything is possible!" said Ali Riley, captain and standout fullback for the Kiwis. Echoes of the opening game of the 2010 men’s World Cup seemed to ring about, as New Zealand found itself euphoric. For the Norwegians, it’s back to the drawing board, as their downward spiral seems to prolong into this tournament. For the world, it was a barnstormer of an opening game, as their eyes now shift to Sydney, for the next game.