New Zealand makes an upset by defeating Norway in the opening match to achieve its first victory in the World Cup

On home soil, New Zealand achieved its first success in 16 World Cup matches, Thursday, in the opening match against Norway (1-0).

France TV – Sports Editorial

On the pitch, a perfect start. New Zealand beat Norway 1-0 on Thursday in the opening of their World Cup campaign. A historic result for the Ferns, who had never won in their previous fifteen matches in the competition. With this victory over Group A favorites celebrated, the host nation is already preparing to qualify, before challenging the new Philippines to this level.

While we were waiting for the Scandinavian attacking trio consisting of Lyon's Ada Hegerberg, Barcelona's Caroline Graham-Hansen, and Manchester City's Julie Blakstad, the only goal of the match came from New Zealander Hannah Wilkinson. Found six meters out by Jackie Hand too fast for the opposition defense (49th)..

Aside from Tuva Hansen's shot that hit the crossbar (81st minute), the Norwegians were stunned and were never able to come back and could have conceded a penalty kick at the end of the match that Rhea Percival missed (90th minute).

History will also remember that this penalty was taken thanks to VAR technology, and for the first time in history in a major tournament at this level, the match referee explained it live through his microphone.

A special context marked the shooting in Oakland

The lead-up to the game wasn't the quietest for the Heggie Rays players, as the Scandinavian side were woken up in the night by helicopters and emergency vehicles dispatched near their hotel in downtown Auckland after a fatal shooting. “At first we didn’t know what was happening, but eventually the TV and local media kept us informed.”Norway captain Maren Melde explained before the match.

Before the match, the two teams, accompanied by 42,000 spectators at Eden Park, observed a minute of silence from the central circle in honor of the victims.