Hannah helps New Zealand claim historic win in Women’s World Cup opener

Hannah Wilkinson. Pic/AFP

Hannah Wilkinson scored the only goal as co-hosts New Zealand recorded a historic 1-0 win over Norway in the opening game of the Women's World Cup on Thursday.

42,000-plus crowd

It was the country's first-ever victory at the tournament and came in front of more than 42,000 in Auckland, the biggest crowd in New Zealand football history. It came at the end of a day which started when New Zealand's largest city was shaken in the morning by a shooting which left two people and the gunman dead, the incident happening in a downtown area close to where several World Cup teams, including Norway, were staying.

The host country's prime minister, Chris Hipkins, attended the match alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at Eden Park, where a moment's silence was held in memory of those killed.

Also Read: FIFA Women's World Cup: Co-hosts New Zealand, Australia start campaign with narrow wins

Meanwhile, an Australian side missing injured superstar Sam Kerr made a winning start with a nervy 1-0 victory over debutants Ireland in front of a pulsating 75,000
Sydney crowd.

Catley scores for Australia

Stand-in skipper Steph Catley calmly slotted home a penalty in the 52nd minute in the only goal of a full-blooded game that sprung to life in the second half.

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