New Zealand started their home World Cup with historic success. The outsiders surprisingly defeated former world champions Norway 1-0 (0-0) in the opening game on Thursday and celebrated their first win in their sixth World Cup participation. The New Zealanders put up a fight in front of 42,137 fans at Auckland’s Eden Park, which was not entirely sold out.
The hosts won around 60 percent of their duels, Norway had a hard time despite their former world footballer Ada Hegerberg as a fixed point. Goal chances, especially Norway, were rare before the break. In the second half it was Hannah Wilkinson (48) from Melbourne City who fueled the enthusiasm for the World Cup in the country, which could still be increased. The goalscorer once played for MSV Duisburg.
Norway then tried hard to equalize, Tuva Hansen from Bayern Munich (81) only hit the crossbar. Later, the Bayern Munich defender got the ball on the arm in the penalty area, Ria Percival (90th) shot the penalty kick to the crossbar as well. Regardless of gender, the audience set a New Zealand football record.
At 12 noon CEST (ARD), co-host Australia will also join the tournament. In contrast to New Zealand, the Australians are considered title contenders, and 80,000 fans are expected at the Sydney stadium against Ireland. Germany has its first game against Morocco on Monday.