The Football Ferns have caused a stunning upset to kick off the World Cup. Photo: Lynne Cameron/www.photosport.nz
The Football Ferns have made history in the opening game of the FIFA Women's World Cup.
New Zealand defeated Norway 1-0 to register their first ever win at the global showpiece.
In front of 40,000 fans at Eden Park, Hannah Wilkinson secured the incredible win with a goal two minutes into the second half.
The Ferns showed composure to hold out the Norwegians, who poured on the pressure in the final stages.
Skipper Ali Riley struggled to sum up her emotions.
"I can't, I'm so, so proud, we have been fighting for this for so long. We have had a clear goal to inspire young girls around the country, anything is possible."
Riley said recent results put them as firm underdogs.
"We believed in ourselves from the very beginning, this is what dreams are made of."
After the Auckland central shooting, Riley said they were motivated by the victims and first responders.
"The energy helped us get through it, this morning something tragic happened and we wanted to bring something special tonight."
Coach Jitka Klimkova lauded the incredible performance.
"Such an amazing group of people, we did it, very proud, very happy what a start. It's still emotional sport is about wins and losses, and today this group of people deserved to win."
New Zealand dominated the opening 15 minutes, but were unable to capitalise on a wealth of possession and territory to get a clean shot at goal.
Looking the most dangerous on the pitch, Wilkinson caused havoc for the Norwegians while Malia Steinmetz made a superb weaving run to set the crowd alight.
New Zealand's forward #17 Hannah Wilkinson celebrates her team winning the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup Group A football match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park in Auckland on 20 July, 2023. Photo: MARTY MELVILLE / AFP
It took the Norwegians 20 minutes before they put in a shot, Caroline Graham Hansen sending it over the bar.
Wilkinson had another chance in the box as she climbed high to get a head on the long ball, but found the waiting arms of Aurora Mikalsen.
Norway threatened with their few chances. Ada Heggerburg looked assured to open the scoring before a brilliant and much-needed save in the box by Rebekah Stott.
Another strong Wilkinson run forced a fourth corner for the hosts, though New Zealand were again unable to find the net from the ensuing cross, calling curtains on a half which saw the Ferns boss the European heavyweights.
Hannah Wilkinson scored the crucial goal for New Zealand. Photo: Photosport
It took just two minutes into the second spell before Jacqui Hand made a dazzling dash down the right to out-sprint her defender, with a pinpoint cross hammered home by Wilkinson.
Norway looked set to equalise just before the 60-minute mark. Frida Maanum received a precise pass from Hegerberg to be six yards out unmarked, but sent it to the left of the upright.
Next it was Indiah-Paige Riley to put a shot on goal, only to be denied by a sprawling save by Mikalsen.
Norway began to pepper the Ferns' defence, Tuva Hansen finding the crossbar in what was the best chance for the Scandinavians.
Hansen was then pinged for a handball, handing Ria Percival the chance to put the result beyond doubt. She also found the woodwork, as Norway was left with a sniff with nine minutes of time added.
Hearts were again tested with 90 seconds to play, Guro Reiten sending Norway's last chance wide.
Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
The whistle eventually came, and 32 years after their first World Cup appearance, in their 16th game, the Ferns finally broke the hoodoo.
"This is not what we had anticipated," said Norway captain Maren Mjelde. "We woke up the last 25 minutes, but it was too late."
The crowd of 42,137 - a record for a football match in New Zealand - let out a deafening roar as the match came to an end, with coach Jitka Klimkova burying her face in her hands as her players celebrated.
Co-hosts Australia were set to open their World Cup campaign later on Thursday in Sydney.
Scorers:
New Zealand 1 (Wilkinson 47')
Norway 0
- RNZ / Reuters
