Ardern (second from right) lobbied to host the World Cup in New Zealand. ever winner of the Women's World Cup on Thursday.
The former New Zealand prime minister joined Football Ferns in the dressing room at the country's iconic Eden Park stadium shortly after the co-hosts' surprise 1-0 victory over Norway in the first leg of the tournament.
The 42-year-old, who stepped down as prime minister in January after six years in office, played a role in the country's joint bid to host the event alongside neighbors Australia. The women's tournament is being held for the first time in the southern hemisphere.
Current New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins also attended Eden Park and joined in the emotional celebrations — Captain Ali Riley was in tears the whole time.
You won't see a more helpful interview in this entire World Cup ❤️🥺#FIFAWWC #BBCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/h9ri3ElDEK
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 20, 2023
Hannah Wilkinson's goal was the difference in the second half as the co-hosts deservedly beat the world's 12th-ranked Norwegian team — 14 places above them — and the squad included former Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg, Chelsea winger Guro Reiten, Barcelona striker Frida Maanum and Barcelona striker Caroline Graham Hansen. None of them were able to break through the New Zealand defense.
Ardern also attended one of the team's training sessions in the days leading up to the opening of the tournament on Thursday.
Current New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins also attended Eden Park and joined in the emotional celebrations. Photo: Getty Images/Hannah Peters
In her post-match interview, Riley stated that «anything is possible», adding: «We had a clear goal of inspiring young girls across the country and around the world — I really think we did it tonight.
“There were a lot of doubters because of the results that we had, but we believed and we believed in ourselves throughout this game, we believed in ourselves from the very beginning, and we showed it.”
There was also a 1-0 score for co-host Australia. won on Thursday, but the feeling in Sydney was more relief than euphoria because the Matildas had survived the recent panic against Ireland and won in a tight game in which they were not at their best.
Arsenal left-back Steph Catley's penalty kick was the highlight of a sometimes botched clash, and Ireland's Birmingham City centre-back Louise Quinn nearly silenced 75,784 fans when her last gasp header went wide. Australia received a lot of applause for their recent form, including a victory over England in April, but they struggled at the Australia Stadium.
Mood from the first goal! 🇦🇺🫶pic.twitter.com/b0T3gjhD9c
— Telegraph Women's Sport (@WomensSport) July 20, 2023
However, as England proved at the Euro 12 months ago with an equally evasive 1-0 victory over Austria in the first leg at Old Trafford, it is vital to simply find a way to win your first leg. Australia needed a platform to develop and now they have one despite the absence of injured star Sam Kerr.
That both host nations started with a win is encouraging for Down Under, as is the fact that they both drew domestic record crowds on the same night in the process.
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