The Football Ferns have secured a stunning 1-0 triumph against Norway in the opening game at the Women’s Football World Cup.
Striker Hannah Wilkinson scored in the 48th minute in their match to score the first goal of the tournament.
Today’s game was the first of 64 matches in the month-long event being co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
The Ferns, ranked 26 in the world, outplayed the team ranked 14 places higher than them. The game was played in front of a crowd of 42, 137 people, which is a record for a football game in New Zealand.
As the game progressed, it was evident that New Zealand’s meticulous training and strategy were paying off. The Kiwi women showcased their technical finesse, fluid passing, and impressive ball control, keeping the pressure on Norway and consistently threatening their goal. New Zealand Ria Percival had a chance to double the lead with an 88th minute penalty. However, her shot hit the crossbar.
As the final whistle blew, the cheers from the stands were deafening. New Zealand’s hard-fought 1-0 victory had laid down a marker for the tournament, announcing their arrival as serious contenders. The team’s passionate display of skill and teamwork left fans in awe and created a sense of national pride.
