Co-hosts New Zealand stun Norway in Women’s World Cup opener

Co-hosts New Zealand kicked off the Women’s World Cup campaign with an upset victory over Norway on Thursday, securing the country’s first win in tournament history.

New Zealand had failed to win a game at their five previous World Cup appearances but forward Hannah Wikinson fired home from close range from Jacqui Hand’s pinpoint cross in the 48th minute to secure a memorable victory.

Norway, champions in 1995, were disappointing and disjointed and rarely looked as if they would get back on level terms. Their best chance came from a right-footed shot from Tuva Hansen, which ricocheted off the crossbar in the 81st minute.

New Zealand’s Ria Percival had the chance to put the game out of reach but her penalty in the 90th minute hit the crossbar.

Norway threw players forward in search of an equaliser but the stout New Zealand defence held firm.

“This is not what we had anticipated,” Norway captain Maren Mielde said. “We woke up in the last 25 minutes but it was too late.”

The crowd of 42,137 — a record for a football match in New Zealand — let out a deafening roar as the match came to an end, with coach Jitka Klimkova burying her face in her hands as her players celebrated.

The win put New Zealand on the right track toward their goal of getting out of the group stage of the tournament. They face debutants the Philippines on Tuesday.

(ESPN)