If at first you don't succeed, well, try, try, and try again!
New Zealand, who are playing in their sixth World Cup, haven't experienced the best results in any of their last five World Cup tournaments. In fact, the Ferns had been eliminated at the group stages in every single one of those competitions, and had yet to win a single group stage game.
That meant, coming into this contest, New Zealand were still seeking their first ever win at a Women's World Cup since making their debut in 1991.
Pitted against Norway, who have won this competition before, not many gave the Ferns a chance. However, Hannah Wilkinson proved to be the protagonist, netting a stunning goal early on in the second half to send swaths of fans to their feet and put her team 1-0 up.
Shell-shocked, Norway were unable to muster any kind of real response, and were fortunate that a second goal from Ria Percival was cancelled that would've given New Zealand a 2-0 lead.
Much has been said about Norway's defensive woes - they notably conceded eight during a humiliating loss to England at last summer's EURO competition. But looking past that, this win for New Zealand now means that the Ferns have won a World Cup match for the first time in history. Although there are two more games to go, and thus shouldn't get too ahead of themselves, this result could prove decisive in helping the co-hosts achieve another milestone - reaching the knockout rounds at this summer's competition.
