New Zealand surprised Norway 1–0 in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup. Finland was also on display when National League goalie Jacqui Hand set up New Zealand’s winning goal.
At the World Cup, there was an immediate surprise when New Zealand surprised Norway 1–0 of Hannah Wilkinson by hitting It was the first victory in the country’s World Cup history. The day had been very emotional, as there had been a shooting incident in the morning at the venue of the opening game in Auckland. Three people had died in it.
However, New Zealand got to play and immediately convinced. Finland was also featured when the top name of the National League goal exchange, representing Åland United, Jacqui Hand set up Wilkinson’s goal.
– Whoah whoah, what a goal! Oh that. Almost speechless. Jacqui Hand gets the ball in the back and then a timely cross to a brilliant move by Wilkinson, Urheilu expert Jonne Kunnas set the mood.
Later in the second half, Hand was humiliating the Norwegian defense again. ‘s narrator Matti Härkönen strongly criticized Norway’s playing.
– Norway’s playing is incredible. There are top players in the team, but the defense is such a mess. The defense hasn’t even seen cheese. It’s just a hole, Härkönen carved.
Already at halftime in a goalless situation in ‘s studio from the experts Maiju Rootsalainen took a strong stand on Norway’s playing.
The Swede was annoyed by Norway’s playing, because in his opinion, Norway did the opposite of what it should in a counter-pressing situation. Norway played the ball forward in the same lane, i.e. in the same direction along the field, while New Zealand tried to get the ball back after losing it.
– Norway gives New Zealand nothing but the ball on their shoulder. This is so annoying to watch. Norway has such quality players, as long as they calm down, the Swede lamented.
After the match, there were some emotional moments, considering the full house and the previous events of the morning. There was a celebration in the stands after the final whistle. The players vented freely.
– It gives me chills when I look at the emotions on the field. A lot has been uploaded to the home games. Then came the tragedy of the morning. It affects the background and what a performance we saw from the underdog from New Zealand! Jonne Kunnas was glowing in the newsroom.
After the game, the New Zealand captaini Ali Riley gave a really emotional interview.
New Zealand have played in the World Cup finals six times, but in the previous 15 matches there had been only three draws and 12 losses.
– I am extremely proud. We have been fighting for this for a very long time. I believe that today we are truly inspiring women and girls around the world. Everything is possible, Riley said in a TV interview immediately after the victory.
According to Riley, New Zealand had a lot of doubters before the start of the World Cup tournament, but they had believed in themselves. The attendance was the largest ever for a football game in New Zealand: 42,137 spectators.
– Something really tragic happened this morning, so we wanted to achieve something positive today. We think about the victims and the rescue personnel. We wanted to do something incredible, Riley added, referring to the shooting that happened in the match city in the morning.
Riley’s emotional speech was received by an expert in ‘s studio Hanna Ruohomaan to tears. Riley has said that today’s players have a responsibility to build a better future for the younger generations as well.
– Riley has sometimes talked about how it would just be nice to play, and does not bear responsibility for the future. This show is sure to bring new soccer juniors. In New Zealand, they do the same thing that the Helmaris do here, Ruohomaa described.
Ruohomaa played for 11 years at Finland’s top level. He won the Finnish championship in HJK’s shirt in 2019. In addition to that, there are two SM silver medals in the trophy cabinet. In more than 200 main league matches, 71 goals were scored. Ruohomaa ended his career at the end of 2021.