2023 FIFA WWC: Co-hosts New Zealand and Australia win openers

Co-hosts Australia and New Zealand kicked off the Women’s World Cup (WWC) with victories on the opening day of the tournament.

The pair brought with them very different sets of expectations, with the Matildas amongst the favourites for the crown whilst the Football Ferns came seeking a first win on the world stage.

New Zealand began their Women’s World Cup (WWC) campaign with a 1-0 win over Norway, marking its first-ever win at a Women’s World Cup. Australia followed suit, winning 1-0 over the Republic of Ireland.

New Zealand’s Hannah Wilkinson sent Eden Park in Auckland into a frenzy early in the second half against Norway. The Melbourne City forward received a perfect cross from Jacqui Hand and scored from close range in the 48th minute to give her country the lead.

In Sydney, Australia’s Steph Catley sported the captain’s band, taking the spot of an injured Sam Kerr. Catley later stepped up to the penalty spot in the 52nd minute and drilled a pinpoint penalty kick to put Australia up 1-0.

The Australian backline kept the Republic of Ireland from taking any shots on goal across the first 96 minutes before Mackenzie Arnold was finally forced to make a save in the waning moments to cement the win.

Kerr will miss Australia’s second game of the World Cup against Nigeria on 27 July, and Catley has said that the Matildas are preparing to be without their focal point for even longer.

She said;

“We were losing the best player in the world, and for her as a person we were heartbroken. We had to gather ourselves quickly, and use her spirit – that’s what it will take for however long she misses.

“She is our spiritual leader, her role will be massive, whatever it will be.”