The New Zealand teamwho played at home, gave the surprise in the opening and defeated Norway (1-0)in a duel in which the Nordics did not find their best version.

New Zealand came out onto the pitch with clear ideas. Direct play and sufficient pressure prevented Norway from being comfortable on the pitch during the match.

Despite this, the Nordics had the goal in the 19th minute. Midfielder Frida Maanum finished from the edge of the area, but the shot went over the goal.

The lack of connection between the forwards and the midfield meant that Engen, Lednhar and Reiten couldn’t find a way to organize the game. Norway waited back, ceded the ball and ground to New Zealand.

Wilkinson threatened at the edge of the first part. The striker headed from the midfield with power towards the goal, although that ball was finally repelled by the defense.

A threat that had no effect in Norway. As soon as the first part begins, Wilkinson raised the score to 1-0 and scored the first goal of the championship. A goal kick and two touches were enough for Jacqui Had to run with the ball down the right flank and assist Wilkinson, who finished perfectly.

Wilkinson celebrating the 1-0. Photo: EFE

Norway tried to the end. The crossbar ran into Engen in minute 85, after a powerful shot from outside the area that could have made the score 1-1, after a few minutes in which they approached the New Zealand goal with more determination.

New Zealand wasted the opportunity to kill the game in the 87th minute. Percival sent the ball over the crossbar after a handball from Hansen inside the box was enough to award a penalty.

The New Zealanders are placed first in group A with 3 points. Gone is Norway, as well as Switzerland and the Philippines, who will face each other tomorrow at the Dunedin Stadium at 07:00 (Basque time).

Data sheet:

1 – New Zealand: Victoria Esson, Ria Percival, CJ Bott, Malia Steinmetz, Katis Bowen, Ali Riley, Kebekah Stott (Bunge, min. 70), Betsy Hasset, Jacqui Hand (Rennie min. 94), Indiah-Paige Riley, Hannah Wilkinson (Satchell, min. 86)

0 – Norway: Aurora Mikalsen, Tuva Hansen, Naevdal Mjekde, Thea Bjelde (Sonstenvold, min. 93), Mathilde Harviken, Ingrid Syrstad Engen, Guri Reiten, Frida Maanum (Boe Risa, min. 74), Caroline Graham Hansen Ada Hegerberg, Julie Blackstad (Bosshard Haavi, min. 56).

goals: 1-0, min. 48:Wilkinson.

Referee: Yoshimi Yamashita (JAP). He admonished Haavi with a yellow card (85)

Source: Eitb

Kingston

Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.