New Zealand were victorious in their opening game

(CNN) — Co-organisers New Zealand beat Norway 1-0 in their opening match of the 2023 Women’s World Cup at Eden Park, Auckland to secure their first ever World Cup win.

Hannah Wilkinson scored the winning goal in the second half, connecting with Jacqui Hand’s perfect cross that thrilled 42,000 home fans.

The New Zealand women’s team had gone winless in 15 World Cup matches, the longest total winless run of any nation in soccer’s biggest competition.

This is the largest tournament with a record 32 teams taking part in 64 matches in Australia and New Zealand over the next four weeks.

Co-organisers New Zealand are entering their sixth World Cup and have the unenviable record of never winning a match in previous tournaments.

For Norway, expectations are high and the 1995 World Cup winners are expected to make a strong run at the tournament.

A moment of silence was observed at the start of the match, following a rare multiple shooting in central Auckland just hours before the opening match of the Women’s World Cup.

Australia, meanwhile, play the second round against Ireland.

The final will be played on August 20 at the Sydney Olympic Stadium in Australia.

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