The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup started with a bang as co-hosts, New Zealand defeated favorites Norway in the opening game.

New Zealand, ranked 26th in the world, have never won a match in five prior appearances in the tournament, but, caused an upset against 12th ranked Norway.

The Norwegians had former Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg in their side, after a five-year self imposed exile, but was ineffective.

New Zealand in front of record 42,137 crowd at Eden Park defeated the Europeans 1-0 to win their first ever match at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

After a goalless first half, Hannah Wilkinson’s early second-half goal was all the co-hosts needed to pick their first three points of the campaign.

It was New Zealand’s FIFA Women’s World Cup after 32 years and 15 games.

A tearful New Zealand captain Ali Riley couldn’t explain what it means to the team.

“We had a clear goal that we wanted to inspire young women and girls around the country and around the world and I think we’ve done that tonight. Anything is possible!,” she said.

Riley added: “There were a lot of doubters, but they believed in themselves and played with poise, “This is what dreams are made of,” She concluded.