New Zealand’s Football Ferns made history at the Women’s World Cup 2023 in Auckland, starting the tournament with a stunning 1-0 victory over group favorite Norway. Hannah Wilkinson’s goal secured the win in front of a record home crowd, marking the first-ever group stage victory for any New Zealand team in a World Cup, men’s or women’s.
Team captain Ali Riley, representing Angel City FC, expressed her joy in a post-match interview with Fox Sports, calling it the “best time” of her life. The Ferns displayed incredible determination, outplaying the 12th-ranked Norway, and their belief in themselves was evident throughout the game.
The opening match between the Ferns and Norway wasn’t just a milestone for New Zealand; it also set attendance records. In Auckland, the previous women’s attendance record was surpassed, with over 42,000 fans filling the stadium. Co-host Australia also saw significant numbers, with more than 75,000 spectators attending the matches in Sydney.
As the excitement builds, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming group stage games featuring other talented teams from around the world. The expanded format of the tournament promises intense competition, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the knockout rounds.
Here’s the schedule for the upcoming matches, presented in Pacific Time, along with streaming information:
Thursday, July 20
– 7:30 p.m.: Nigeria vs. Canada (Group B)
– 10 p.m.: Philippines vs. Switzerland (Group A)
Friday, July 21
– 12:30 a.m.: Spain vs. Costa Rica (Group C)
– 6 p.m.: USA vs. Vietnam (Group E)
Saturday, July 22
– Midnight: Zambia vs. Japan (Group C)
– 2:30 a.m.: England vs. Haiti (Group D)
– 5 a.m.: Denmark vs. China (Group D)
– 10 p.m.: Sweden vs. South Africa (Group G)
Sunday, July 23
– 12:30 a.m.: Netherlands vs. Portugal (Group E)
– 3 a.m.: France vs. Jamaica (Group F)
– 11 p.m.: Italy vs. Argentina (Group G)
Monday, July 24
– 1:30 a.m.: Germany vs. Morocco (Group H)
– 4 a.m.: Brazil vs. Panama (Group F)
As the group stage progresses, the leaders emerge. Currently, New Zealand tops Group A with three points, while Australia leads Group B. The competition is fierce, and with each game, the excitement and stakes continue to rise. Fans and players alike eagerly await more #BeautifulMoments that will be etched in the history of this remarkable tournament.