Co-hosts New Zealand are “in a good place” and “ready to shine” at the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup, says boss Jitka Klimkova.
Up to 40,000 fans are expected at Eden Park, Auckland, when the Football Ferns play 1995 world champions Norway in the opening match of the tournament this morning .
It is a huge moment for New Zealand, who have not won a single game in their previous five World Cup appearances.
“I really believe these players will shine,” said Klimkova.
“The hard work and preparation brought us to where we are now. At this stage the preparation is done and now it is time to shine.”
It is only the second time the Football Ferns have played at Eden Park, the spiritual home to the All Blacks.
When they played at New Zealand’s national stadium the first time against world champions the United States in a friendly in January, 12,721 – a record home crowd for the national women’s side – turned up.
More than three times that number is expected for the first of 64 matches at the month-long tournament.
“It is an opportunity for this country to not just be a rugby country but wake up their love for football,” added Czech coach Klimkova.
New Zealand have played the most number of games at the Women’s World Cup – 15 – without winning a game.
This is their sixth appearance on the global stage and, roared on by a home crowd, they will be eyeing an opportunity to reach the knockout rounds for the first time.
Following Norway, who are ranked 12th in the world – 14 places higher than New Zealand, the Football Ferns face World Cup debutants the Philippines in Wellington on 25 July, before finishing their group campaign in Dunedin against Switzerland five days later.
“Hopefully this time we will achieve our goal of winning a World Cup game,” said New Zealand co-captain Ali Riley.
“Doing that at home, that will make it my greatest game of my career.”
Tottenham’s Ria Percival is expected to feature along with Brighton defender Rebekah Stott.
Hannah Wilkinson, the last New Zealand player to score at a World Cup in 2015, is likely to lead the line for her country.
