Australia, New Zealand kick off Women's World Cup with narrow wins

Women's World Cup 2023 co-hosts New Zealand Women and Australia Women kicked off the tournament Down Under with respective victories over Norway Women and the Republic of Ireland respectively.

New Zealand clinched their first-ever World Cup win in emotional circumstances with a stunning 1-0 triumph over Norway in Group A, before Australia bested Ireland in Group B by the same scoreline.

Prior to the 2023 tournament, New Zealand had gone five World Cup campaigns without winning a single game, but Jitka Klimkova's side produced an inspired display in the wake of a tragic shooting in Auckland, which left two people dead.

After getting to half time level against a tepid Norwegian crop, New Zealand took the lead just three minutes after the restart, as Jacqui Hand burst down the right and crossed for Hannah Wilkinson to slot home from close range.

New Zealand were presented with a gilt-edged chance to double their lead in the 89th minute, but Ria Percival struck the bar from the penalty spot, although there was no dampening the Football Ferns' spirits as teammates and staff stormed onto the field to celebrate.

Following New Zealand's historic success, their Oceanic counterparts and three-time quarter-finalists Australia held out for an identical win against Ireland, despite suffering a devastating injury blow before the game as Chelsea forward Samantha Kerr was ruled out with a calf problem.

Nevertheless, the Matildas were also awarded a penalty at Stadium Australia early in the second half, as Marissa Sheva felled Hayley Raso, and Arsenal's Steph Catley made no mistake from the spot.

Ireland threw the kitchen sink at the Australian defence during a six-minute injury time period, but the co-hosts held firm to get off to a flying start.