Australia and New Zealand jointly hosted the ninth Women’s World Cup, witnessing exhilarating victories and record-breaking attendance on the opening day. However, the celebration was marred by a tragic shooting incident near the Norwegian team hotel in Auckland, leaving three dead and six injured, including the perpetrator. Despite the unsettling event, authorities assured the public that there was no risk to national security. The tournament commenced with an awe-inspiring display of traditional Maori culture, featuring the renowned Haka war dance, followed by the opening match at Eden Park.
In a gripping encounter, New Zealand secured a 1-0 victory over Norway, with Hannah Wilkinson’s stunning goal stealing the show. The electric atmosphere was fueled by a crowd of 42,137, surpassing the previous record for an international women’s soccer match in the host nation. Enhanced security measures were promptly deployed outside the stadium to reassure attendees, and the FIFA statement confirmed that the shooting was unrelated to football operations, allowing the opening match to proceed as planned. Australia’s Matildas also kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Ireland in front of a staggering 75,784 fans at Stadium Australia in Sydney, setting a new attendance record for women’s soccer in the country. However, their star striker, Sam Kerr, faced disappointment as she was ruled out of the first two games due to a calf injury.
While the Women’s World Cup has brought significant progress and recognition to women’s football globally, there are still disparities between the conditions for female and male players in many countries. The Matildas voiced their concerns in a video, criticizing the “disrespect” shown towards the women’s game in previous tournaments with artificial pitches and lower prize money compared to the men’s World Cup. Several participating nations, including England and Spain, have also been grappling with disputes over working conditions and pay for female players. Despite the challenges, the tournament has been highly anticipated in both Australia and New Zealand.
In Australia, women’s football has seen exponential growth in participation and spectatorship, with many hoping for a transformative effect on women’s sport in the country. In contrast, New Zealand, where rugby union reigns supreme, has experienced slower ticket sales, prompting officials to encourage fans to secure their seats promptly. The opening matches have set the stage for what promises to be a remarkable Women’s World Cup, where triumph and tragedy have marked the beginning of a historic sporting event Down Under.