FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Day One: Mixed emotions for host nations.

The beginning of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the biggest in the tournament’s history with 32 teams. Games played in 10 Stadiums across nine host cities in Australia or New Zealand. The single biggest women’s sporting event of the year. It should have began with pure elation. But at around 7:20 am local time, on the day of the opening match in which co-hosts New Zealand took on Norway in Auckland, a horrific shooting occurred in the city, leaving two dead and six others injured.

It was quickly confirmed by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins “that there is no wider national security threat.” Having met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, he said

the match would take place as planned at Eden Park, just two miles away from where the shots were fired.

A minutes silence was held before kick off to honour the victims.

New Zealand had never won a game at any of the five previous World Cups they participated in, and had only won one game in the last year, a friendly against Vietnam a couple of weeks ago. Facing a Norway side with Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen, who was part of the Barcelona side which won the Champions League last month, and top WSL players such as Guro Reiten and Frida Maanum, the Football Ferns were predicted to face an uphill battle.

However, to the delight of most of the 42,137 fans in the crowd, a record for a football match in New Zealand, the hosts were the better side, Norway lacklustre going forward despite all of their attacking talent. After a positive start, there was a crucial block from Malia Steinmetz, and a brilliant tackle from Brighton’s Rebekah Stott in the 37th minute to deny Hegerberg, which was celebrated like a goal by the fans.

Less than three minutes into the second half came the real thing, Wilkinson firing into the middle of the goal from six yards, the assist a brilliant ball by Hand after lovely play down the right hand side.

Frida Maanum fired wide from point blank range as Norway looked to get back in the game, a golden chance as New Zealand pushed for a second.

In the 90th minute New Zealand were awarded a penalty, Tuva Hansen penalised for handball after a VAR check, but Ria Percival hit the woodwork from the spot. Having missed the chance to seal the win, they had to endure nine long minutes of stoppage time, seeing out their first World Cup win and second ever clean sheet. Their home World Cup is off to a magical start.

For Australia, who faced tournament newcomers the Republic of Ireland at the inventively named Stadium Australia in Melbourne. Steph Catley took the armband in place of star striker Sam Kerr, who was ruled out of the game through injury, and for a while, the Matildas struggled in her absence, frustrated by an organised Irish defence in the first half, who caused problems on the counter.

The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute, a penalty given after Marissa Sheva fouled Haylry Rasso. It was Catley who stepped up and sent Courtney Brosnan the wrong way. After this, the chances began to flow, Katrina Gorry and Mary Fowler shooting over the bar, and Caitlin Foord’s header glanced wide.

Ireland were most threatening from set pieces in the second half, captain Katie McCabe, also of Arsenal, causing the hosts’ keeper a few problems from corners, whilst Megan Connolly’s free kick from the edge of the box was inches too high.

Australia faced a late barrage from Ireland, McCabe going close, but Australia held on, like their co-hosts.

For Ireland, there are actually many positives to build on against Canada, especially for a World Cup debut. They executed their game plan well, knowing that Australia would dominate the ball, whilst using quick counters to catch them off guard when they turned the ball over. It’s probably fair to say that those amongst the favourites won’t have been too worried watching that Australia performance, they’re a good side, and whilst they’ll definitely be without her against Nigeria on Thursday, with Sam Kerr, they are a whole different beast.