New Zealand opened the Women’s World Cup with a stunning win against Norway as Australia were rocked by the news that captain Sam Kerr has been ruled out of her country’s first two matches due to injury.
Co-hosts New Zealand claimed their first ever World Cup win, at their 16th attempt, as Hannah Wilkinson’s goal early in the second half shocked group favourites Norway at a sold-out Eden Park.
Australia play their opening match against the Republic of Ireland in Sydney, but they will be without their star forward after Kerr suffered a calf injury in training on the day before the tournament.
The kick-off to the World Cup came just hours after a mass shooting in Auckland that killed two people and wounded six. But the World Cup will “proceed as planned” and New Zealand prime minister Chris Hipkins said there was no risk to national security.
Follow the latest World Cup scores, updates and news in today’s live blog
