Hannah Wilkinson’s goal has given New Zealand its first-ever win at the Women’s World Cup, edging out world No. 12 Norway in their opening game.
Wilkinson, who plies her trade with A-League Women’s side Melbourne City, had nipped in front of her marker to coolly slot home a perfect low-driven cross from Jacqui Hand in the 48th minute.
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An inch-perfect ball from Indiah-Paige Riley set Hand streaking down the right flank.
The 24-year-old then flew past her Norwegian counterpart with the ball at her feet.
Without needing to lift her head, Hand drove the ball across the grass in the path of Wilkinson who has on hand to smash home from close range.
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The goal came after an impressive first half from the Kiwis in which they limited Norway to very few attacking chances.
New Zealand were also terribly unlucky not to add a second goal when vice-captain Ria Percival smacked her penalty against the crossbar.
The Kiwis were given a spot kick after a Norwegian defender was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area after a VAR check, but Percival couldn’t take advantage of the golden opportunity.
Despite the European nation boasting the attacking talents like Guro Reitner and Ada Hegerbeg, the Football Ferns rebuffed just about every attack.
