Hannah Wilkinson’s goal was the difference in the second half as the co-hosts deservedly beat the 12th-ranked side in the opening match
Women’s Football Reporter, in Sydney 20 July 2023 • 1:57pm
Ardern, second right, lobbied for the World Cup to come to New Zealand Credit: Getty Images/Hannah Peters
Jacinda Ardern was among the first to congratulate the jubilant New Zealand squad after they claimed their first-ever Women’s World Cup victory on Thursday.
The former New Zealand prime minister joined the Football Ferns in the dressing room at the country’s iconic Eden Park venue shortly after the co-hosts’ surprise 1-0 victory over Norway in the tournament’s opening fixture.
The 42-year-old, who stood down as prime minister in January after six years in power, had played a part in the nation’s joint bid to host the event alongside neighbours Australia. It is the first time the women’s edition of the tournament has been held in the southern hemisphere.
New Zealand’s current prime minister, Chris Hipkins, was also in attendance at Eden Park and joined in the emotional celebrations – captain Ali Riley was in tears at full-time.
Hannah Wilkinson’s goal was the difference in the second half as the co-hosts deservedly beat a Norway side ranked 12th in the world – 14 places above them – and containing former Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg, Chelsea winger Guro Reiten, Arsenal’s Frida Maanum and Barcelona forward Caroline Graham Hansen. None of them could find a way through the New Zealand defence.
Ardern also went along to one of the team’s training sessions in the days leading up to Thursday’s opener.
New Zealand’s current prime minister, Chris Hipkins, was also in attendance at Eden Park and joined in the emotional celebrations Credit: Getty Images/Hannah Peters
Riley declared at full-time that “anything is possible” in her post-match interview, adding: “We had a clear goal to inspire young girls around this country and around the world – I really think we did that tonight.
“There have been a lot of doubters because of the results we’ve had but we’ve believed, and we believed in ourselves this entire game, we believed in ourselves from the very beginning, and we showed it.”
New Zealand play their second group game on Tuesday against the Philippines.
