The FIFA Women’s World Cup finally kicked off with action between New Zealand and Norway and Australia and the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.
With both of the host teams securing wins in front of record-breaking crowds, the competition is expected to only keep heating up from here on out.
The Results
New Zealand 1 – 0 Norway
Australia 1-0 Republic of Ireland
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Main Talking Points
New Zealand welcomes home crowd with win
The Football Ferns couldn’t have asked for a better start to the tournament as they defeated Norway 1-0 in front of over 42,000 supporters at Eden Park in Auckland.
Hannah Wilkinson was the first scorer of the tournament, finding the back of the net shortly after the second half of action began to secure what would end up as the game-winner. Teammate Ria Percival was unable to convert from the penalty spot late to double New Zealand’s lead.
Norway could arguably be New Zealand’s toughest opponent in Group A, which also features the Philippines and Switzerland. The win was New Zealand’s first-ever victory at the Women’s World Cup, after 16 tries.
Australia joins in on home crowd fun
New Zealand wouldn’t be the only team to win in front of their home crowd as three hours later Australia kicked off and did the same thing.
The Matildas were without Sam Kerr after she was sidelined due to a calf injury, and the team looked shaky to begin the game as even at their best on the counter-attack the tough Irish defence was able to absorb their attempts and keep the game scoreless at the half.
But a penalty was awarded to Australia after Aussie winger Hayley Raso was taken down by Irish midfielder Marissa Sheva. Skipper Steph Catley stepped up to the spot, and with ease put the ball past goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan for the only goal of a tense match.
Moment of the Day
The Matildas not only got the win in front of their home crowd, but broke a record for attendance for a women’s football match in the country with over 75,000 people at the stadium to witness Catley’s goal in person.
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Quote of the Day
“We really wanted to inspire young girls across the nation and I think we did that tonight. We showed that anything is possible,” said New Zealand captain Ali Riley after her team’s first-ever win at a Women’s World Cup.
Three Stars of the Day
1. Hannah Wilkinson, New Zealand: Scoring to secure the first-ever win for New Zealand at the Women’s World Cup in front of record-breaking crowds is a moment that Wilkinson will never forget.
2. Steph Catley, Australia: The Arsenal defender played all 90 minutes and scored the lone goal in her side’s win over the Republic of Ireland, with the team having to regroup after learning star player Sam Kerr was unavailable for the match.
3. Rebekah Stott, New Zealand: Having to defend a six-time Champions League winner and the first woman to win the Ballon d’Or in Ada Hergerberg isn’t easy, but Stott ensured that her side would be able to secure victory to open the competition and make a statement against a talented Norway team.
Looking Ahead
Continuing play for Group B, Canada will kick off their first match of the tournament against Nigeria at 10:30 p.m. ET Thursday to open the action of Matchday 2. That will be followed by more Group A action between the Philippines and Switzerland at 1 a.m. ET on Friday and the first match in Group C with Spain facing off against Costa Rica at 3:30 a.m. ET.
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