Wilkinson’s goal gives New Zealand a 1-0 win over Norway in an emotional Women’s World Cup opener #Wilkinsons #goal #Zealand #win #Norway #emotional #Womens #World #Cup #opener

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.

FILE - Australia's Sam Kerr celebrates after scoring against England during the women's international friendly soccer match between England and Australia at the Gtech Community Stadium in London, England, Tuesday, April 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)

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.

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony ahead of the Women's World Cup soccer match between New Zealand and Norway in Auckland, New Zealand, Thursday, July 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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.

Canada's Christine Sinclair gestures during a soccer training session ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, July 17, 2023. (Scott Barbour/The Canadian Press via AP)

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.

Canadian player Nichelle Prince signs a poster for a fan after practice ahead of the Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, July 17, 2023. Canada held a public training session ahead of its opening match with players from Melbourne-based Heidelberg United FC watching the Olympic champions practice on their field, preparing for Friday July 21, 2023 game against Nigeria. (AP Photo/Victoria Adkins)

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.