FIFA Women’s World Cup: The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 started with a bang when Co-host New Zealand defeated one of the strongest sides in this tournament, Norway. The Kiwis produced a second-half masterclass to cause the upset.
This match was an exact copy of the opening match of FIFA World Cup 2022. Where Argentina was constantly threatening the host Saudi Arabia but was beaten shockingly after a miraculous performance by Saudi Arabia in the second half.
The Norwegians were completely overwhelming The Black Caps in the first half. The crowd at Auckland expected to see another loss. But what unfolded was not expected by anyone as the Kiwis registered a historic win.
The Lack Of Quality Finish
The Norwegians were constantly attacking but lacked the final touch to make it count. They wasted so many chances in the first half. Ada Hegerberg and Frida Maanum had golden opportunities to take the lead for Norway but failed.
The first half was all Norway and New Zealand was playing on counterattack. Everyone thought that this match is finished and Norway will find a winner eventually as the match progresses.
The Retaliation
But what happened in the second half was unlike anything anyone expected. Just 3 minutes into the second half, Jacqui Hand made a perfect run and delivered a perfect cross to Hannah Wilkinson.
Who had enough time to curl the ball into the bottom left corner with an exquisite finish. The home crowd went into uproar and the noise was deafening. The squad was all over Hannah and the Norway players were utterly shocked.
Norway was split open in this play and that affected their whole game. After that, it was all New Zealand. Norway came close a few times but the Kiwis were able to hold on top of the lead to register a historic win in FIFA World Cup.
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