The goal is to win over the local fans
Drawing the host nation in your World Cup tournament opener is far from ideal — even if you are the hot favourites to win the match.
Norway will take on New Zealand in the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup opening match tonight at a sold-out Eden Park in Auckland.
More than 40,000 spectators are set to roll up, all mostly in the Football Ferns camp, but it’s not fazing the European side.
Norwegian midfielder Ingrid Engen told the Herald it’s going to be a challenge having roaring fans cheer for the opposition team, but she feels good about the opportunity of being there in the first place.
The world’s No 12 side are recognised as one of the most successful nations in women’s football, having won all three major events: the World Cup, Euros and Olympic gold. They’ll face New Zealand, who have won one game in their last 12 matches.
Though they’re expected to walk away with a victory tonight and top the group, Engen said the team wasn’t being too complacent.
“I think we’re down to earth. We know what we need to do to be at our best and we’re going to meet tough teams,” said Engen.
“It’s a World Cup and we meet
New Zealand first who is playing at home — so I think we, we know that we have to just work hard.”
The hardest challenge the team faces, however, is how they win over Kiwi fans for the remainder of the tournament — knowing they are the Ferns’ toughest opponent.
However, players confessed they do have a plan in mind: goals.
Norwegian players teased the fact the Football Ferns have lacked in the scoring department.
Midfielder Emilie Haavi said, “I understand if fans cheer for New Zealand but we will try to play good football and score goals.
“I think people like to see goals.” The same philosophy was emphasised by other players days earlier during an open training at their base at Seddon Fields, near Western Springs.
“Support Norway”, they told the young players of Western Springs Football Club, explaining they score lots of great goals.
“We’re playing such a big game and with the many people in the stands, hopefully it’s going to be really good for women’s football,” Engen added.
“For me, it is an honour,” Haavi said.
K“It will be a cool experience.”
Norway kick off at 7pm against New Zealand tonight at Eden Park in Auckland.