This time I went. At a sold-out Eden Park, the New Zealanders, co-organisers of the World Cup, kicked off the tournament against Norway. While people's minds were still affected by the early morning massacre near the Norwegians' hotel, this opening match remained undecided for a long time, before the team was chosen on the return from the dressing room. In their sixth appearance in the competition, the locals won the first match in their history on world football's biggest stage. The brief success was validated thanks to the indefensible Hannah Wilkinson, who was very prominent at the forefront of the attack. Having reached the quarter-finals in France four years ago, the Norwegian team already has its back against the wall.
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In the midst of a round of observation that allows the 22 players to project the excitement of the event, Wilkinson, the real poison of the Norwegian defense throughout the match, goes deep for the first time, without being able to conclude (5).H). The Scandinavian team was declared the favorite in this Group A, and is trying to impose its style of play, but it suffers from the high pressure of its host, who puts pressure on every loss of the ball. After the coup attempt that could have traveled around the world (7H), Hegerberg threatens again with a header from a corner kick (19H), then a perfect overturn by Mannum, whose half-volley flies into the stands (20H). The Lyon striker even had the greatest position in that first act, being perfectly served on the end of a lunge from Graham Hansen, but trapped in the area (37).H).
A quarter of an hour later, they regain their senses, and New Zealand scores the first goal in this World Cup. The hand sweeps down the right flank and puts Wilkinson in orbit facing goal (1-0, 48H). First shot on goal Fern in the game. After Hegerberg's change, Mannum does not fit into the ideal situation (59H), but New Zealand is gradually putting its foot forward in the discussions. At the end of a wonderful teamwork, Riley sent a wonderful shot from the left side, which Mikalsen blocked horizontally (63).H). Hege Riise's followers struggle to play their game, are regularly defeated in combat, and do not have the key to breaking into the local vault. After another good work from Wilkinson, Percival fired a missile that failed to hit the target (76H). Without consequences, despite the obstacle found by Hansen, whose attempt to enter the area to his position was repelled by Eason (81H). The side then upsets by taking a shot with their hand at the entrance to their area. A penalty kick awarded by the Video Assistant Referee, but Percival sent it onto the crossbar (89H). One last chance wasted by Graham Hansen (90H+8), and this World Cup already holds its first surprise.
New Zealand (4-3-3): Eason-Bott, Stott (Bong, 70H), Bowen, A. Reilly-Hassett, Percival, Steinmetz-I. Reilly, Wilkinson (Satchell, 86H), hand (Rennie, 90H+4). Determinant: Jitka Klimkova.
