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Hannah Wilkinson’s goal gives New Zealand a 1-0 win over Norway in Women’s World Cup opener

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.


New Zealand's Hannah Wilkinson celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Women's World Cup soccer match between New Zealand and Norway in Auckland, New Zealand, on July 20, 2023.
New Zealand’s Hannah Wilkinson celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Women’s World Cup soccer match between New Zealand and Norway in Auckland, New Zealand, on July 20, 2023.
AP

An armed police officer walks on patrol in a cordoned downtown area on July 20, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand following the shooting that killed two people.
An armed police officer walks on patrol in a cordoned downtown area on July 20, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand following the shooting that killed two people.
Getty Images

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.

After an opening ceremony that honored New Zealand’s Indigenous heritage, there was a moment of silence for the victims of the shooting.


New Zealand's Hannah Wilkinson is embraced by teammates at the end of the Women's World Cup soccer match between New Zealand and Norway in Auckland, New Zealand on July 20, 2023.
New Zealand’s Hannah Wilkinson pumps her fist at the end of the Women’s World Cup soccer match between New Zealand and Norway in Auckland, New Zealand on July 20, 2023.
AP

Four people were wounded in the attack, including a 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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