Soccer World Cup 2023
World Cup starts with a surprise: New Zealand beats Norway – Australia follows suit
New Zealand midfielder Malia Steinmetz (2nd from right) celebrates
© Marty Melville / AFP
The opening game of the 2023 Women’s World Cup caused the first surprise: New Zealand beat the favorites from Norway. The other hostesses also start the tournament with a win.
The shocking news from Auckland had a long-lasting effect. Instead of just happily bringing people together, the opening ceremonies began Women’s World Cup on Thursday in New Zealand and Australia with minutes of silence. A man shot two people and injured others in the New Zealand metropolis just hours before the first game kicked off in the evening. The reports were “a shock at first,” said national player Kathrin Hendrich at the German team headquarters in Wyong, Australia.
The act of violence put authorities and Fifa on high alert. The world association quickly had to declare that the tournament could start as planned. “Fifa extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives and our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been injured in this tragic incident,” said Fifa President Gianni Infantino.
Fifa without security concerns before the start of the World Cup
The Fifa announcement on German Thursday morning was captioned with the words: “No security concerns before the opening game”. Several teams that were close to the scene of the crime are doing well, said New Zealand Sports Minister Grant Robertson. The crime took place in the business center of Auckland, not far from the fan base, and the Norwegian team hotel is also close to the crime scene.
“We felt safe the whole time,” captain Maren Mjelde said in a statement ahead of the opening game. Out of respect for the victims, the fan area was not opened as planned, it can only be used on Friday. According to Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, the police have not yet been able to identify any ideological or political motivation. Apparently it was the act of an individual.
A little later, in Auckland’s Eden Park, which was not completely sold out, the players stood arm in arm and with black ribbons in the center circle. The co-hosts’ surprising 1-0 win against Norway, who were favored in the game, gave the country a little distraction from the shattering attack. Hannah Wilkinson scored in the 48th minute in front of 42,137 spectators. With the final whistle, the New Zealanders celebrated jubilantly on the pitch. “I’m so, so proud, we fought for it for so long, everything is possible,” said Ali Riley on ARD.
New Zealand and Australia win
A few hours later, the Matildas in Australia also managed a perfect start to the World Cup. Australia won 1-0 against Ireland in Sydney – even without the injured star player Sam Kerr. The atmosphere in the Australia Stadium with 75,784 fans – during the game after the minute’s silence – was exuberant.
Soccer World Cup 2023
These footballers should get the title for Germany
In Auckland, Police Inspector Sunny Patel had previously announced more details. The shooter first moved through the building under construction and fired more shots. Eventually he retreated into an elevator shaft. Local officials tried to communicate with the man. But he fired more shots and was found dead a short time later. At least four people were injured, including a police officer.
DFB team feels safe
“Events are understandably alarming and we reassure the public that this incident is under control and is an isolated incident,” Patel said, according to the statement. It is not a national security risk. Before the opening game, however, the safety precautions were increased.
“Of course we talk about it at the table,” said national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg in an interview with the ARD “Sportschau” on Thursday. However, the attack “apparently has nothing to do with the World Cup. (…) We feel very safe in our camp.”
The German team will start the tournament against Morocco on Monday (10.30 a.m. CEST/ZDF) in Melbourne. Other group opponents are Colombia and South Korea. A year after reaching the European Championship final, the DFB selection wants to secure the World Cup title for the third time after 2003 and 2007. The final will be held in Sydney on August 20th.