New Zealand Prepared to Defy Expectations in World Cup Opening Game

 

New Zealand has never won a match in their previous five appearances at the Women's World Cup. Despite being considered long shots to beat Norway in the opening match at Eden Park on Thursday, co-captain Ria Percival stated that the Football Ferns are embracing their underdog status.

Playing at the same Auckland stadium where the 'Black Ferns' secured their sixth women's Rugby World Cup title last year, New Zealand is determined to give their home fans more reasons to celebrate by defeating the 1995 champions, Norway.

"We're always seen as the underdogs," Percival said on Wednesday. "And for us, we've always taken it in our stride, and we'll do the same with the first game tomorrow, but for us, we're just excited to be here, we're ready to go."

Norway, with 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg back in their squad after a prolonged absence due to a dispute with her federation, poses a significant attacking threat, and Percival acknowledged that New Zealand must find a way to neutralize their danger.

"They can bring an attack," she added. "So for us, it's just a matter of focusing on our job to stop them from being dangerous."

New Zealand ended a 10-match winless streak with a 2-0 victory over Vietnam in a friendly this month, providing a positive outlook on their preparations, which were filled with "a lot of ups and downs," according to coach Jitka Klimkova.

"We feel like we are really in a good place. We are prepared. We worked really hard to this point," said Klimkova, who was appointed coach in September 2021 but was unable to enter the country for months due to COVID-19 restrictions.

"This is an amazing opportunity for us to shine."

Norway coach Hege Riise stated that her squad was leaving nothing to chance, especially with an enthusiastic home crowd supporting their opponents.

"I think they will rise to the occasion, and with 40,000 fans behind them, they will probably be the stronger opponent for us," said Riise. "It's a good challenge for us as well to show what we're here to achieve, to perform in each game and see how far that will take us."

If beating Norway proves to be difficult, New Zealand sees an excellent chance to secure their first victory when they face tournament debutants, the Philippines, in their second Group A match in Wellington. They will wrap up the group stage against Switzerland.

Co-captain Ali Riley mentioned that the hard work has been done, and now it's time to enjoy the tournament.

"We've done everything we can do to be ready for this moment," she said, emphasizing the importance of the support from the home crowd.

"The noise will give us energy," added Riley, who is playing in her fifth World Cup. "But also, I know what that can do for any little girl, seeing these players, these awesome, confident, empowered women and athletes just living their dreams."