New Zealand beat Norway 1-0, their first FIFA Women's World Cup win ever, and Australia battled past Ireland by the same scoreline on a triumphant opening day for the co-hosts on Thursday.

Hannah Wilkinson was the Football Ferns' hero, scoring three minutes after half-time to give them a precious victory over Norway, who are former winners of the competition. It was New Zealand's first win at the World Cup at the 16th attempt.