Berlin, 21 July 2023 (dpa/MIA) - New Zealand won their first World Cup match ever 1-0 against former champions Norway and the other hosts Australia started the 2023 tournament with the same result over Ireland on Thursday.

Hannah Wilkinson was on target in Auckland for New Zealand who could even afford a missed penalty from Ria Percival to get a victory at last in their 16th match at the global stage.

In Sydney, Steph Catley did better from the spot to secure victory for Australia who were without their injured captain and star Sam Kerr.

The start of the month-long tournament was overshadowed by a shooting in Auckland in which three people died but play then went ahead as planned - with a minute silence observed before kick-off at both venues which also saw brief opening ceremonies.

Melbourne City striker Wilkinson beat two Norwegian defenders to a cross from the right by Jacqui Hand in the 48th minute to send the team and Auckland's Eden Park into a frenzy on a windy evening.

Percival smashed a 90th-minute penalty against the crossbar but the Football Ferns hung on the for the historic victory after having recorded three draws and 12 defeats in their previous five World Cup appearances.

New Zealand were the better team against the 1995 winners Norway led by former women's world footballer of the year Ada Hegerberg who had returned to the team last year.

Norway's best chance came from Frida Maanum in the 58th and Guro Reiten in stoppage time, while Percival had a drive well saved by Norway goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen before her penalty agony.

"I am so so proud we have been fighting for this for so long. We had a clear goal to inspire young girls, young people around this country and the world, I really think we did that tonight. Anything is possible," New Zealand captain Ali Riley told the BBC.

"There were a lot of doubters because of the results we had but we believed, we believed in ourselves this entire game. We showed it and we played with confidence. The finish, this is what dreams are made of."

The historic victory will boost their morale ahead of the other Group A games on Tuesday against the Philippines and July 30 against Switzerland. Norway by contrast must rebound to stand a chance of reaching the last 16.

Japan's Yoshimi Yamashita became the first referee in men's and women's World Cup history to explain a video review decision to the stadium crowd and television audience - the late penalty for New Zealand after Tuva Hansen was ruled to have handled the ball.

In Sydney's Stadium Australia filled with more than 75,000 fans, Arsenal defender Catley deputized as captain and penalty taker for Kerr, converting into the top left corner in the 52nd minute, after Marissa Sheva - reduced to tears afterwards - had brought down Hayley Raso.

The Matildas dominated the Group B match but had trouble creating chances, with Raso heading wide and Caitlin Foord hitting the side-netting.

Ireland defended with heart and almost stole a stoppage time equalizer from Megan Connolly's curling free-kick and Katie McCabe at the death.

"First of all its incredible to get the win, its the longest build up to a game in my entire life. I am really proud of the team how they handled it," Catlin said.

"Obviously losing a player like Sam and just for her as a person we were completely heartbroken. She's got a role still and she's massive to us and so so important and she's our spiritual leader."

Kerr had sustained a calf injury on Wednesday and according to the Australian federation will also miss the second game against Nigeria on July 27. Australia will hope to have her fit again for the final group game against Olympic champions Canada on July 31.

Friday's games are Philippines v Switzerland in Group A, Nigeria v Canada in Group B and Spain v Costa Rica in Group C.

Photo: EPA