New Zealand win opening game of Women's World Cup 2023 with 1-0 win over Norway

The co-hosts register 1-0 narrow victory against Norway

Hannah Wilkinson's exquisite goal of an incredible move handed New Zealand a shocking victory over a dismal Norway, their first in 16 World Cup games, and the explosive start the competition required.

They are currently in charge of Group A, leaving Norway with a lot of decision-making to do as they face certain elimination.

As is frequently the case with hosts who seem to lack the necessary skills, New Zealand got off to a strong start, energised by the occasion and the excitement of the audience.

They were by much the superior team in a lacklustre first half, generating little but controlling the field and keeping their more renowned opponents at bay.

However, there were flashes, frequently motivated by Caroline Graham Hansen, that hinted that Norway's class would ultimately reveal itself.

Not at all. Instead, New Zealand gained greater self-assurance and started to push more players forward. On the 48th minute, they created a beautiful goal rush. Wilkinson finished the move beautifully after some excellent work by Jacqui Hand.

Norway was unable to truly recover after that, with a second goal appearing more likely than an equaliser, even though they should have scored in the final minute of normal time after winning a penalty for handling on the edge of the box by Tuva Hansen.

Ria Percival, however, smashed her kick onto the crossbar, forcing her side to endure a tense stretch of stoppage time before erupting in relief and ecstasy at the final siren.

Given that Philippines and Switzerland make up the other two teams in the group, Norway will still have a chance of moving on, but if they do not significantly improve, they will be embarrassed at the end of the group stages, just like they were at the Euros. New Zealand is currently using aeroplanes.