New Zealand’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign is set to kick off against Norway at Auckland’s Eden Park, a venue that holds special significance for the country’s sports fans.
Norway vs. New Zealand TV Channel and Streams
Fans in the United States can watch live streaming coverage of New Zealand and Norway on FoxSportsGo
- Match Day: Thursday, July 20, 2023
- Match Time: 3:00 a.m. ET
- Venue: Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand
- TV Channel: FOX US
- Live Stream: Streamed live on the FOX Sports App.
- Key Facts: New Zealand was eliminated without a win at the opening group stage at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and finished the tournament with a 0-0-3 record.
You can watch New Zealand vs. Norway and every 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup match on FOX Sports App and FOX, as well as 35 broadcasts on Fox Sports 1 USA.
Co-captain Ria Percival expressed the team’s excitement about embracing the underdog role, stating, “We’re always seen as the underdogs.
“And for us, we’ve always taken it in our stride and we’ll do exactly the same with the first game tomorrow, but for us, we’re just excited to be here, we’re ready to go.”
Read more soccer news: Day 1: 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, live streaming, schedule
Percival acknowledged the danger posed by Norway’s attack, especially with the return of Ada Hegerberg, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, who had been absent due to a dispute with her federation.
She added, “They can bring an attack. So for us, it’s just focus on our job that we want to do to obviously stop them from… being dangerous.”
In their preparations for the tournament, New Zealand recently broke a 10-match winless streak with a convincing 2-0 victory over Vietnam in a friendly match.
Coach Jitka Klimkova expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, stating, “We feel like we are really in a good place.
“We are prepared. We worked really hard to this point. This is an amazing opportunity for us to shine.”
Norway’s coach, Hege Riise, recognizes the significance of the home crowd advantage for New Zealand. Riise expects the Football Ferns to pose a strong challenge to her squad.
“I think they will rise to the occasion, and with 40,000 (fans) in their back, they will be probably the stronger opponent for us,” Riise said.
If New Zealand finds victory against Norway elusive, they will have an excellent chance to secure their first win when they face the tournament debutants, the Philippines, in their second Group A match in Wellington. Their final group-stage encounter will be against Switzerland.
Co-captain Ali Riley believes the team has done everything necessary to prepare for the tournament and is looking forward to enjoying the experience.
Riley emphasized the importance of the home crowd’s support, noting, “The noise, that will give us energy. But also, I know what that can do for any little girl, seeing these players, these awesome, confident, empowered women and athletes just living their dreams.”
With their underdog spirit, determination, and the unwavering support of their passionate fans, New Zealand is ready to make their mark in the Women’s World Cup.
Their match against Norway presents an opportunity to showcase their capabilities and ignite the nation’s enthusiasm for women’s football.
Tune in on Thursday to watch and follow the Norway vs. New Zealand opening 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup group match at 3:00 a.m. ET
—Infomation from Reuters used in this report
