New Zealand had the privilege of kicking off proceedings at 8am (UK time) on Thursday morning with Norway their opposition in Group A, where Maren Mjelde and Guro Reiten were flying the flag for the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland in front of over 42,000 fans.

Soon after, it was the turn of Australia to get their Group B campaign underway against World Cup debutants the Republic of Ireland in Sydney. It was confirmed in the build-up that Sam Kerr will miss their first two group games through injury, but the Matildas skipper was supporting from the sideline.

Curtain raiser

Co-hosts New Zealand netted early in the second half to secure a 1-0 win over Norway and record their first ever World Cup victory at the ninth edition of the showpiece event, subjecting our Norwegian Blues to defeat in their first outing of the tournament.

Mjelde captained Norway and earned her 166th cap in the process, while Reiten was deployed in a deeper midfield role from the start. Norway, one of only four teams to have won the Women's World Cup, were frustrated by a spirited New Zealand who struck the decisive blow minutes into the second half.

The Football Ferns could have doubled their lead when they were awarded a penalty in the final minutes of normal time, however the resulting effort came back off the crossbar. The hosts stood firm and rode out significant additional time to get their World Cup campaign off to a dream start.

Home support

Kerr may not have been available for selection, but Australia’s captain was supporting her team from the sidelines. After the traditional opening ceremony, the Matildas got their World Cup campaign underway on home soil against a resolute Republic of Ireland side.

A second-half penalty was enough to ensure the co-hosts got off to the best possible start with a 1-0 victory, which saw them claim three points and a clean sheet despite the absence of Kerr, who will be looking to return to action as soon as possible.

What’s next?

Norway will be looking to bounce back from their opening day disappointment when they face Switzerland on Tuesday 25 July at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, with the match getting underway at 9am (UK time).

Australia should be aiming to build on their victory over the Republic of Ireland and they will begin preparations for their next group game against Nigeria, which is scheduled for Thursday 27 July in Brisbane with kick-off at 11am (UK time)