Hannah Wilkinson has given New Zealand a shock 1-0 lead over heavyweights Norway in the opening clash of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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.
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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.
The goal came after an impressive first half from the Kiwis in which they limited Norway to very few attacking chances.
Despite the European nation boasting the attacking talents like Guro Reitner and Ada Hegerbeg, the Football Ferns rebuffed just about every attack.
The Kiwis are searching for their first-ever win at a Women’s World Cup as they have the unfortunate honour of being the nation with the most games in Women’s World Cup history without a victory.