Co-hosts New Zealand won the opening game of the Women’s World Cup on Thursday with a 1-0 victory over Norway in Auckland in front of more than 42,000, the biggest crowd in New Zealand football history. The win also happens to be the first.
Hannah Wilkinson scored the only goal early in the second half at Eden Park to give New Zealand’s women a maiden World Cup win at the 16th attempt. Ria Percival missed a late penalty for the home side.
They will also meet co-hosts Australia and debutants Ireland in their bid to make the knockout rounds.
