Who is Hannah Wilkinson - Opening goalscorer at Women's World Cup 2023?

Published at :July 20, 2023 at 9:15 PM

Modified at :July 20, 2023 at 9:15 PM

Meet the opening goalscorer of Women's FIFA World Cup 2023

By matching the requirements of a host nation, New Zealand's early objectives for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 were incredibly modest: winning the match would be a success.

Despite a late missed penalty, the mission was successful—at least for the moment.

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In the competition's inaugural game, New Zealand downed Norway 1-0 at Eden Park in Auckland thanks to Hannah Wilkinson's strike in the 48th minute.

In their 15 prior World Cup games, New Zealand had never won, and in each of their five appearances, they had lost and gone home in the group stage. With this triumph, the co-hosts have a chance to experience knockout football for the first time.

Who is Hannah Wilkinson's opening goalscorer of Women's World Cup 2023?

On February 17, 2010, Wilkinson started for New Zealand in a friendly match against Australia, making her senior international bow.

She participated in all three of the group games at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup as a substitute, marking her first FIFA Women's World Cup debut. She netted in the 94th minute of the previous game to force a tie with Mexico.

Wilkinson participated in three of New Zealand's four Olympic games in London in 2012. At the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada, she participated in each of New Zealand's three games. She began each of New Zealand's three games at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil.

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Hannah Wilkinson has 114 caps under her belt, placing her within the top 10 for New Zealand on the basis of most matches for her nation. Only three of her fellow countrymen have registered more goals for the Football Ferns. The talented 31-year-old increased her total to 29 against Norway by effectively utilising her great experience.

Following an incredible recovery from an ACL injury, Wilkinson was picked to the final 23-player roster for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in April 2019.

She participated in her 100th game for New Zealand in the 2020 Summer Olympics on July 27, 2021.

She gave her team its first victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup finals on July 20, 2023, when she scored the first goal of the tournament against Norway.