Hosts New Zealand stun Graham Hansen's Norway in World Cup opener
The hosts beat the fancied Norwegians in the tournament's first game in Auckland on Thursday
Under the shadow of the shooting that took place hours before the start of the World Cup in the city of Auckland, the New Zealand team, playing at home, caused a surprise in the opening game and defeated Norway (1-0), in a match in which the Nordic team did not find their best form.
New Zealand, one of the co-hosts of the World Cup, took to the field with clear ideas. Direct play and sufficient pressure prevented pre-game favourites Norway from ever being comfortable on the pitch during the match.
The lack of connection between the forwards, including Barcelona's Carolina Graham Hansen, and the midfield meant that Ingrid Engen, Lednhar and Reiten could not find a way to organise the play. Norway waited at the back and gave the ball and the ground to New Zealand.
Hannah Wilkinson first threatened on the stroke of half-time. The striker drove powerfully from midfield towards goal, but was eventually denied by the defence.
It was a threat that had no effect on Norway. Just after the restart, Wilkinston made it 1-0 (47th minute), the first goal of the tournament. A goal kick and two touches were enough for Jacqui Hand to run with the ball down the right flank and set up Wilkinson for a perfect finish.
Norway tried until the end. The crossbar denied Barça's Engen in the 85th minute after a powerful shot from outside the box that could have made it 1-1 following a spell in which they approached the New Zealand goal with more determination.
New Zealand missed the chance to kill the game off in the 87th minute when Percival's penalty hit the crossbar after Tuva Hansen's handball in the box.
The New Zealanders go top of Group A with three points. Behind them are Norway, as well as Switzerland and the Philippines, who meet on Friday at Dunedin Stadium at 05:00 GMT.
Teams:
1 - New Zealand: Victoria Esson, Ria Percival, CJ Bott, Malia Steinmetz, Katis Bowen, Ali Riley, Kebekah Stott (Bunge, min 70), Betsy Hasset, Jacqui Hand (Rennie min 94), Indiah-Paige Riley, Hannah Wilkinson (Satchell, min 86).
0 - Norway: Aurora Mikalsen, Tuva Hansen, Naevdal Mjekde, Thea Bjelde (Sonstenvold min 93), Mathilde Harviken, Ingrid Syrstad Engen, Guro Reiten, Frida Maanum (Boe Risa, min 74), Caroline Graham Hansen, Ada Hegerberg, Julie Blackstad (Bosshard Haavi, min 56).
Goal: 1-0, M.47: Wilkinson.
