13.
09:16
Norway seems a bit nervous in this initial phase. Especially on the defensive, the ball is thrown out at the back in a panic. On the other hand, the Swanz play freely and convert the euphoria into positive energy.
11.
09:15
Hassett briefly has a lot of space on the left side of the penalty area, but takes a moment too long to process the ball. So Harviken intervenes energetically.
9.
09:13
Both teams play happily forward. New Zealand tries to switch quickly after winning the ball, ideally with the long ball to Wilkinson. But Indiah-Paige Riley, Jacqui Hand and Co. are also doing a lot on the outside.
7.
09:11
A little later, Hegerberg starts an overhead kick, causing the ball to fly in a high arc towards the goal. Under pressure, Victoria Esson hits the ball away.
6.
09:10
On the other hand, Esson misjudges a cross from the left. She can only steer the flank with her fingertips into the backcourt, although there was no opponent behind her. On the other hand, the Norwegians are in the backcourt and can only be prevented from finishing with difficulty.
5.
09:09
For the first time hustle and bustle in the penalty area of the guests! Star striker Wlkinson is sent off steeply and gets behind the defence. At the penultimate contact, however, she puts the ball too far in front of herself, so that she can only play to a defender from the baseline. New Zealand follows and comes to the conclusion from the second row. However, Malia Steinmetz lifts the ball well over the goal.
3.
09:07
In the initial phase, the audience only responds in short spurts. When the guests are on the ball, the fans watch intently. As soon as the Football Ferns get near the playground equipment, they yell loudly and cheer for their team. There is little reason to be happy right from the start, as Norway controls possession.
1.
09:04
The 2023 World Cup has started! In black jerseys, the New Zealanders toast and look for the goal of the white-clad Norwegians!
08:55
The teams step onto the lawn of Eden Park in Auckland. The stadium is almost sold out with almost 50,000 fans and so it gets loud when the New Zealand anthem is played. It will not be long!
08:51
Yoshimi Yamashita will lead the start of the 2023 World Cup. The 37-year-old took part in the World Cup four years ago. An innovation: the official will announce their decisions over the stadium loudspeakers, just like in American football. The Japanese will be supported by Makoto Bozono and Naomi Teshirogi, who will assist on the sidelines.
08:47
In the early New Zealand morning, the start of this World Cup was suddenly on the brink, because in the middle of Auckland a gunman shot two people and later killed himself. It was decided relatively quickly that this tournament would go ahead as planned, although there would be a short minute’s silence. First, the opening ceremony, where the indigenous peoples are honored.
08:43
New Zealand and Norway have met in two competitive games so far. In 1991, Norway defeated Swanz 4-0 en route to World Cup runners-up before a narrow 1-0 win at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Only last year did the two nations meet in a friendly, which Norway also won 2-0. Ada Hegerberg and Guro Bergsvand added their names to the scorer list.
08:39
The form of both nations is indeed similar in results, but differs in the details. Both teams celebrated only one win in the friendlies this year. However, New Zealand conceded seven defeats, some of them significant, during this time and only won against the blatant outsiders from Vietnam. Norway, on the other hand, beat Uruguay right at the start of the year and later secured respectable draws against France and Sweden – two top-five teams in the world rankings.
08:36
It has been three months since the Norwegians last played in a friendly. The Scandinavians drew 3:3 against Sweden and only change three positions compared to then. Hege Riise can draw from a wide range, because players like Maren Mjelde, Tuva Hansen, Ingrid Engen and Caroline Graham Hansen play for top international teams like Chelsea, Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona. Ada Hegerberg has even won the Ballon d’or. When looking at the average age, it becomes clear that a new generation has grown up that is currently in its prime.
08:27
The New Zealanders completed their last friendly just a week ago and their best team lost 1-0 to Italy. With Ali Riley, Ria Percival, Betsy Hassett and Hannah Wilkinson, some of the most experienced and successful personalities are still on the pitch today. In general, coach Jitka Klimková relies on a lot of experience in her team. Young talents like Indiah-Paige Riley, Malia Steinmetz or Jacqui Hand are the exception.
08:18
The Norwegians have already celebrated a world championship title and two European championships. Especially in the 90s, the Scandinavians were considered perhaps the best team in the world. However, the shine has faded a bit since then. Other nations caught up too quickly and ultimately overtook Norway. Nevertheless, the northern Europeans should not be underestimated, after all they have reached the KO phase at every World Cup so far. This goal also hovers over the start against New Zealand.
08:13
New Zealand are at the World Cup finals for the sixth time. As early as 1991, the Swanz prevailed in qualifying against Australia, but they have only been represented regularly since 2007. At that time, Australia switched from Oceania to the Asian federation, which eliminated the biggest competitor. As hosts, the Football Ferns are looking to get through the preliminary round for the first time at this year’s biggest World Cup, but they’re not the group’s favourites. This title should go to today’s opponents.
08:00
Good morning to the start of the 2023 World Cup! The hosts traditionally start the game and New Zealand meets Norway at 09:00. Welcome!