Women’s World Cup 2023 co-hosts Australia and New Zealand earned back-to-back 1-0 victories in their opening group matches.
New Zealand pulled off an upset with a 1-0 win over Norway in their first Group A match at the tournament on Tuesday (Sept. 20) at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. The win snapped a 15-match winless streak in World Cup play (3 draws, 12 losses).
In the second minute of the second half, New Zealand’s Jackie Hand sent in a cross from the flank that was headed home by Hannah Wilkinson. The goal proved to be the game-winner.
Fellow hosts Australia defeated Ireland 1-0 earlier 사설토토 in the day at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, in their opening Group B match of the tournament.
The Aussies, who have advanced out of the group stage in four consecutive tournaments dating back to 2007, got their campaign off to a good start with a win in their first game. Ireland, on the other hand, who were making their first appearance at the World Cup, suffered a defeat in their first match.
Australia broke through in the fifth minute of the second half. Ireland’s Marissa Sheva was fouled inside the penalty box, and Australia’s captain Stephanie Catley converted the penalty with a strong shot.
Ireland then pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but were unable to find the back of the net.