New Zealand take surprise lead in World Cup opener
New Zealand have taken a surprise lead against Norway in the opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Hannah Wilkinson scored in the 48th minute following a cross from teammate Jacqui Hand, as the home side look to win their first ever World Cup match.
Hannah Wilkinson of New Zealand celebrates after scoring her team’s first goal.
After a morning of tragedy, the Women’s World Cup went ahead with an opening ceremony built around a theme of unity.
A shooting in downtown Auckland earlier on Thursday, which left three dead, gave pause for thought on the appropriateness of festivities.
There was an uneasiness in a city flicking the switch from horror to revelry so quickly, with FIFA and the New Zealand government opting to go ahead.
Perhaps the alternative — to deny the performers and footballers their moment in the world’s gaze — was even less desirable than cancelling.
And so on the show went, a brief but dazzling display rich with Maori and First Nations traditions and imagery, showcasing both New Zealand and Australian heritage and landscapes.
A giant whai, or stingray, and rainbow serpent covered the pitch, where a Maori call was followed by an Australian First Nations response.
A haka — what else, at the All Blacks’ house of pain, a koha — or offering — and the hongi — the treasured Maori greeting — represented the unity of the two Indigenous peoples.
The Women’s World Cup kicked off after a day of tragedy in Auckland.
Then came a “unity dance” with performers clad in the colours of all 32 competing nations, which more closely resembled a primary school lunch break with kids scattered across the oval.
The 10-minute show then wrapped with pop stars Benee, of Auckland, and Brisbane’s Mallrat, who performed the
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