new zealand vs norway
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Expansion
Co-hosts New Zealand pulled off a major upset on Thursday as they tasted victory for the first time at the Women’s Football World Cup. Hannah Wilkinson’s goal helped New Zealand beat Norway 1–0 in their opening match of the tournament. In this Group-A match, both the teams could not score any goal in the first half. Norway, the 1995 winner team, had chances to score in the first half, but New Zealand did not allow them to convert into goals. Then in the second half, the New Zealand team was able to break through the Norwegian defence. In the second half, in the 48th minute, Hannah Wilkinson scored from inside the box to put New Zealand ahead 1–0 in the match. However, after this both the teams could not score any goal.
More than 42,000 fans watched the match at the stadium
A record 42,137 spectators were present at Eden Park Stadium, a record number for a football match in New Zealand. Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was also present at the stadium to watch the match. The New Zealand women’s team had participated in five previous World Cups, but could not win any match. The last time the two teams met in the World Cup was 32 years ago, when Norway beat New Zealand 4–0 in 1991.
Before the match, the opening ceremony of the Women’s World Cup took place with a colorful program. During this, the view of excellent fireworks was also seen.
Australia beat Ireland 1-0
Co-hosts Australia began their campaign at the Women’s World Cup on a winning note, beating Ireland 1-0 here. Steph Catley scored a penalty in the 52nd minute to give his team the victory. The stadium was attended by 75,784 spectators, while Australia were dealt a blow by the absence of top-scorer Kerr, who will miss two matches due to injury.