It is known that the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is going to be a surprise from the first minute. At the World Cup, anything can happen from the moment the referee blows his whistle at the start of the match.
The 'Matildas' arrived in Sydney in style, not just waiting to write a new chapter in Australian football. 75,784 fans packed the seats wearing green and yellow to support their hosts' first game.
A penalty goal from Steph Gately saw the 'Matildas' win their first match, further instilling the meaning of winning at home with your fans cheering you on from the start. The win was made all the more special by the fact that its star, Sam Kerr, followed his team-mates' performances from the stands and left at the last minute.
As they have said and repeated these four years before the ball started rolling, Australia has always been a soccer nation and the time has come to prove it.
While all eyes are on them, there are two hosts of the World Cup that many have overlooked. Until this morning.
The World Cup will always be a field of improbable results, tears and dreams. After the first day, Australia and New Zealand have shown us that this World Cup can be this and more
New Zealand, 'White Ferns', they made their debut in Auckland against one of the European powers that, by name, is not an easy one to face: Norway. With names like Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen and Crowe Rayden, the 'Kiwis' faced a huge challenge in front of their fans, in a full stadium, and with the aim of not being a shadow of their neighbors Australia.
Upon entering the stadium, their captain, Ali Riley, was seen smiling from ear to ear and crying as he heard the national anthem. At that moment, she was the only one who believed in what her team was going to achieve.
A crowd of 42,137 showed their hard work as their team battled and dominated against a world champion, a record for New Zealand football.
And it paid off. After 16 games, in their sixth appearance at the World Cup, Hannah Wilkinson's goal gave them their first win in this type of competition after years of struggle.
Everyone thought they would be defeated, but they decided to be the masters of their own destiny, giving their people reasons to continue dreaming of unprecedented football achievements.
The World Cup will always be the scene of impossible results, the center of first tears and dreams. After the first day, Australia and New Zealand have shown us that this World Cup can be this and more.
Photo by Getty Images.
“Typical beer advocate. Future teen idol. Unapologetic tv practitioner. Music trailblazer.”