AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Hannah Wilkinson scored to open the second half and New Zealand went on to beat Norway 1-0 on Thursday for its first-ever win at the Women’s World Cup, just hours after a shooting in downtown Auckland shocked the host nation.
A gunman stormed a high-rise construction site near Norway’s team hotel and opened fire, killing two people. The gunman was found dead after a police shootout.
There was increased security at Eden Park stadium, where 42,137 — a record crowd for a soccer match in New Zealand — were on hand to cheer on the home team, co-hosts of the tournament with Australia. New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was among those at the game.
Sam Kerr has been ruled out of Australia’s opening game of the Women’s World Cup against Ireland. The star striker picked up a calf muscle injury during training on Wednesday and confirmed she would not be able to take part in the Group B opener at Stadium Australia.
The Women’s World Cup has opened with an elaborate greeting from the Maori people of New Zealand and the First Nations people of Australia.
Christine Sinclair hopes her sixth appearance at the Women’s World Cup will finally land Canada the elusive title. Canada begins tournament play Friday against Nigeria.
Canada’s public training session ahead of its opening match at the Women’s World Cup was one of many held by competing teams in co-host Australia.
After an opening ceremony that honored New Zealand’s Indigenous heritage, there was a moment of silence for the victims of the shooting. Four people were wounded in the attack, including an police officer.
New Zealand got the nod to stage the first game, although co-host Australia’s match against Ireland in Sydney started about an hour later.
The Football Ferns had played in five previous World Cups, but hadn’t won a match.
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AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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