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      Former England heroine Katie Chapman backs Millie Bright and Lauren James to shine for Lionesses at the World Cup

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      KATIE CHAPMAN is backing Millie Bright and Lauren James to make their mark at the World Cup with England facing Haiti today.Their group D fixture will see them play their first game in the tournament today under boss Sarina Wiegman.
      Katie Chapman believes Lauren James and Millie Bright will shine for England at this year’s World CupCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses will play Haiti at Brisbane Stadium today with their game kicking off at 10:30 BSTCredit: Getty
      Chapman captained a Chelsea side featuring Millie Bright when the Blues won their first Women’s FA Cup in 2015Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Chapman was speaking to SunSport ahead of the opening of hybrid indoor football arena KickX in Surrey today
      England’s clash with their opponents will see them back in official international action for the first time since drawing 0-0 with Portugal on home soil earlier this month.
      With the team winless in two games since their Women’s Finalissima defeat of Brazil in March, the Lionesses are eager to get their World Cup campaign off to a flier.
      Chapman, 41, who retired from the game in 2018, played with Bright for three years at Chelsea.
      The ex-Lioness skippered a Blues team which featured the centre-back to an FA Cup win and WSL title triumph eight years ago
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      Chapman, who also lifted the FA Cup in 2018, believes Bright’s leadership and James’ potential will be key for Wiegman’s side.
      The former midfielder, who has 94 England caps, told SunSport: “Millie was unbelievable in the Euros.
      “What a big player, a big personality and a great leader to have in your team.
      “She reminds me very much of me, and I love her to pieces.
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      “Lauren is new onto the scene and Chelsea have done a great job with her with managing her (past) injuries and getting her onto the pitch.
      “She’s showing her potential. She’s a player that you can put on the pitch that can change your game for sure.
      “I’m excited to see her play in the World Cup.”
      Chapman, who is an ambassador for KickX, a hybrid indoor football arena opening at Addlestone One today in Surrey, believes England have a solid chance of going all the way.
      England are missing quite a few big names but it gives other players an opportunity to step up at the World CupKatie Chapman
      This is despite their squad missing the services of Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby, all key figures in their Euros triumph last summer.
      Chapman, whose playing career began at 14 at Millwall, adds: “They’re missing quite a few big names and players have retired.
      “But it also gives other players the opportunity to step up and take their moment within a World Cup.
      “It’s amazing to be there and to represent your country. 
      “It’s going to give those younger players (in the squad) an opportunity.
      “There are quite a few playing in their first World Cup and what an opportunity (for them) to have.
      “Sarina (Wiegman) manages the team in the right way.
      “They all look quite relaxed out there in Australia which is great.”
      Chapman’s launch of KickX, which she describes as all-age inclusive and offering a mix of football-themed games to play, comes nine days after the publication of a landmark women’s game review.
      The review, chaired by her former Chelsea and England team-mate Karen Carney, has called for a raft of changes to women’s football in England.
      This includes finding a strategic partner to invest in improving pathways and academy structures to help develop young talent.
      Chapman said: “Karen is right. There is a lot to be done lower down in the game.
      “There’s a lot to be done at a grassroots level as well.
      “To be an athlete, and to be a professional athlete, you need to train.
      Chapman played for the England team that reached the 2009 Women’s Euros final under Hope PowellCredit: AFP
      “You need to be a full time athlete, you need to be able to do that and you need to be paid to be able to do that at a reasonable level.
      “As she said, there’s a lot to be done filtering down from the top flight of the women’s game.
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      “But as we raise the profile in the game, that’s hopefully our next step to look at.”
      England’s match against Haiti in the Women’s World Cup can be watched live on ITV1 and the BBC at 10:30 BST More

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      Lionesses captain Millie Bright insists England are focused on toppling Haiti with bonus pay concerns parked

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      MILLIE BRIGHT is “itching” to make World Cup history after declaring herself fit to go to battle for England in the contest.The Lionesses’ captain says players will be tournament-focused when they take on Group D minnows Haiti with bonus pay matters on hold.
      Millie Bright has given England a huge fitness boost with the centre-back ready to start for the Lionesses in their group stage openerCredit: Getty
      England will take on Haiti who are playing in the World Cup for the first time in their historyCredit: PA
      England’s clash with Haiti will kick off at 10:30 (BST) at Brisbane Stadium in AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Bright and her team-mates are targeting back-to-back tournament wins a year on from their triumph in the Women’s EurosCredit: Reuters
      Today’s game will see Bright on England duty for the first time since February, following a knee injury she sustained in a Champions League game for Chelsea a month later.
      It will also see the Euros champs face Haiti for the first time in a World Cup,
      Their opponents are one of the five lowest-ranked sides in the tournament and will be making their contest debut in the duel at Brisbane Stadium.
      Bright, who has been a lynchpin in England’s defence, won her race to be fit and featured in a behind-closed-doors 0-0 draw with Canada.
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      The 66-capped Lioness, 29, said: “I was very confident in my recovery.
      “I have been given absolutely everything I needed to be in this position that I am in.
      “I am grateful that I am able to play. I am super excited to be here.” 
      Bright’s knee concerns ahead of the tournament coincide with a triple Lionesses injury blow with Willamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby all crocked.
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      Along with Bright the trio were among the most influential players for England during their dramatic charge to Euros glory last July.
      Reflecting on her journey to back to full fitness, Bright added: “Personally, I went day by day to start with.
      “It’s important to be in the moment and present, and not look too far ahead.
      “By doing that I kind of removed all the pressure of being fit almost, so day-by-day my head was in that place on that day.
      “But I’m always confident that I do absolutely everything that I can for the team, and to put myself in the best position.
      “I knew I would tick all the boxes in terms of my recovery.”
      On how she mentally managed her push to get fit with England missing Mead, Kirby and Williamson, Bright flagged the support of team-mates and Wiegman’s staff.
      Bright added: “You mentioned players not being here, but unfortunately injuries are part of football.
      “We have to look forward and move forward.
      “We’ve got an amazing group of players and staff and everyone has stepped up. We’re raring to go.”
      Off the pitch Bright and her team-mates publically revealed their World Cup bonus pay negotiations with FA chiefs are on hold until after the contest.
      On Tuesday players publicly admitted they were disappointed that talks had reached a stalemate.
      Bright said: “It’s not a situation everyone wants to be in.
      “As players we’re not just programmed to play football, sometimes we have to have these conversations.
      “But we have a very professional group and football is always at the front of everything. 
      Sarina Wiegman says England are well prepared for Haiti and that no stone has been “left unturned” in the prep work ahead of the gameCredit: PA
      “I’m aware that everyone’s seen the statement.
      “So as players now, with our heads on the game – they always have been on the game – everything is on hold.
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      “For now it’s all about the tournament.”
      England’s game against Haiti can be watched live on ITV1 and on the BBC at 10:30 (BST). The game will kick off at 7:30 pm local time in Brisbane, Australia. More

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      England Lionesses captain Millie Bright’s tattoos explained, including an owl and a dreamcatcher on her arm

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      MILLIE BRIGHT is ready to lead her country to glory.The Lionesses centre back, 29, is fit to start for England against Haiti in the Group D opener on Saturday.
      England captain Millie Bright boasts a brilliant tattooed arm sleeve
      Bright is a regular visitor to A Star Tattoos’ Dan RossetterCredit: Instagram @astartattoos
      Although she hasn’t played a game since March after suffering a knee injury, coach Sarina Wiegman confirmed her captain could start.
      “We’re happy,” Wiegman said in a press conference. “This was the plan. The plan worked and Millie is ready to play.”
      During her time away from the game, Bright added to her tattoo collection.
      The Chelsea defender has a sleeve on her arm with ink designed by A Star Tattoos artist Dan Rossetter.
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      But what are her tattoos – and what do they mean?
      Eye of the tiger
      Found on her left outside forearm, Millie has an eye and half a tiger.
      Both have significant meaning.
      The eye is a design of her partner Levi Crew’s. While the tiger represents an important part of her game. Strength.
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       “It’s my partner’s eye and half a tiger, my core strength with me through thick and thin.” she told SunSport.
      On her left outside forearm Bright has her partner’s eye and a tiger
      The eye can be better seen nearer Bright’s wrist
      Dream big
      For her dreamcatcher tattoo, Bright turned designer.
      On the inside of her left forearm, this ink was a dedication to her mum’s inspiring words.
      Bright revealed: “I designed a dreamcatcher, my mum says dream big before every game.”
      Millie’s mum Nicola paid tribute to her daughter after the Lionesses won the Euros.
      She said: “The most heart-warming part of this journey is people like Millie like we do.”
      A dreamcatcher represents Millie’s mum’s wise words to dream big
      Owl
      Bright was born in the village of Killamarsh, on the outskirts of Sheffield.
      Her rural surroundings meant she grew up around horses as a kid.
      There were also plenty of owls, which is a throwback to her childhood.
      “An owl, memories from back home – at the stables we always had an owl which came every single year,” she said of that tattoo.
      Bright’s owl represents her rural upbringing in Yorkshire
      Sleeping on the job
      However, when she got her owl tattoo – that took five hours to complete – she embarrassingly fell asleep.
      Bright dropped into A Star Tattoos in Chessington, Greater London, back in March.
      Tattoo artist Dan Rossetter filmed the action live. Which actually turned out to be a snoozefest.
      Dan said: “At the beginning of the session we were having a chat, a catchup from when I’d last seen her – she was telling me about the football and bits and pieces.
      “I was just about to start up the conversation again and I thought, ‘oh, I’m getting no response here’. I looked down and she’d fallen asleep.
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      Bright has fallen asleep when being tattooed by artist Dan Rossetter
      “I was quite surprised. It was funny. My reaction must have been a picture to start off with.
      “She’d wake up and say, ‘sorry about that, it must be the football'”. More

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      I scored one of Women’s World Cup’s best goals then went on to become an all-time cricket great and Ashes legend

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      ELLYSE PERRY has established herself as one of the greatest athletes of all time.The 32-year-old Australian is the ultimate all-rounder, having represented her country at an elite level in both football and cricket.
      Perry has starred for Australia in both cricket and footballCredit: PA
      The defender scored a world-class goal at the Women’s World Cup in 2011Credit: Getty
      She has enjoyed some unforgettable moments throughout her career, from scoring in a 2011 World Cup quarter-final to scoring a double century in test cricket.
      Perry is one of the unsung heroes of sport.
      Born in the Sydney suburb of Wahroonga, Australia, Perry quickly became immersed in sport as a youngster.
      Throughout her school years, the budding athlete played several sports including: golf, football and cricket as well as athletics.
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      But shortly after she turned 16 in 2007, football and cricket took over when she made her Australia debut in both sports within the space of two weeks.
      Perry was fast-tracked into the Australian cricket team for a series against New Zealand in the summer of that year, making her the youngest-ever cricketer to represent the country.
      Her football debut came in a match against Hong Kong just a matter of days later and she remarkably scored two minutes after entering the pitch.
      In 2011, she was named in the Australia squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany, making her first appearance in a group game against Norway and becoming the first-ever player to appear in both ICC and FIFA World Cups.
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      Perry helped Australia to the quarter-finals of the 2011 Women’s World CupCredit: Getty
      To cap off her impressive tournament, she scored a world-class goal against Sweden at the quarter-final stage, firing the ball into the top corner from 25-yards out.
      Many people questioned if Perry would be able to continue juggling two sports, including the chief executive of her football club, Canberra United.
      Heather Reid gave her an ultimatum – football or cricket.
      However, Perry immediately took matters into her own hands by seeking a transfer to Sydney FC, where head coach Alen Stajcic allowed her to continue playing cricket alongside football.
      But with women’s sport continuing to evolve, one eventually had to give as in 2018 the defender stopped playing professional football to pursue a full-time career in cricket.
      In an interview with The Roar, she said: “Essentially, both sports have grown so much and developed so much in the last couple of years that they really demand people to be full-time professional athletes.
      “I ended up in cricket and haven’t played any football recently. I truly enjoyed my time playing football.”
      She has since enjoyed a successful five years solely in cricket, winning six T20 World Cup titles and two Cricket World Cup titles.
      Perry still represents Australia in cricketCredit: Alamy More

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      Female football fans now flock to pubs thanks to Lionesses but some too worried because of safety fears

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      MORE than half of female football fans are now more likely to head to a pub to cheer on their team. That is down to the Lionesses’ roaring success in recent years.
      England’s Lionesses ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
      A poll of 1,350 women who follow the beautiful game revealed 79 per cent believe a successful tournament for England at the Women’s World Cup will encourage even more fans to head out to the pub to watch a match. 
      They get their campaign underway against Haiti tomorrow.
      However, 36 per cent admitted they have avoided supporting their team – because they are worried about their safety heading home at full time.
      More than half (51 per cent) have avoided watching evening games so they don’t have to walk home in the dark.
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      And 59 per cent are concerned about the large crowds that congregate at the full-time whistle.
      The research was commissioned by Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, which has partnered with personal safety app WalkSafe, to empower more than 500,000 users to map a safe route home leveraging police data and safety information. 
      Emma Kay, founder of WalkSafe, said: “An exciting summer of sport is already well underway.
      “And with the incredible achievements of the Lionesses, and a raft of other inspirational sportswomen, it’s no surprise more and more want to support these stars in pubs and stadiums.
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      “But as many have unfortunately discovered, getting back following the events isn’t always the most hospitable environment.
      “That’s why it is important we continue our partnership with Budweiser Brewing Group, to help support our mission to make the world a safer place, giving our users the tools to put their personal safety first.”
      However, 63 per cent will not let safety concerns diminish their love of football.
      And 62 per cent have managed to make new friends because of their shared passion for the sport, the study conducted via OnePoll.com found.
      Brian Perkins, president of Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I said: “Everyone should be able to enjoy a football match and not worry about getting home safely at the final whistle.
      “But as the research shows, it is still a major concern for a significant number of female fans who simply want to cheer on their team.”
      England’s Millie Bright with team-mates at the Brisbane StadiumCredit: PA More

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      Lionesses star ‘hugely hurt’ that fans cannot buy shirt with her name on back for Women’s World Cup 2023

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      MARY EARPS admits to feeling “hugely” disappointed that fans cannot buy official Lionesses goalkeeper shirts if they wish.England’s top shot-stopper at this year’s World Cup, has been in talks with kit makers Nike to find a solution.
      Fans cannot a shirt with Mary Earps’ name on itCredit: Getty
      Earps’ remarks come seven months after Fifa named her the best women’s goalkeeper in the world at a glitzy Paris ceremony where she chatted with World Cup winner Emi Martinez.
      The long-sleeved tops worn by her, Ellie Roebuck and Hannah Hampton and in England games are not currently manufactured for retail sale by Nike.
      The Lionesses’ vice-captain, 30, said: “It is hugely disappointing and very hurtful.
      “It is something that I have been fighting behind closed doors, I have been trying to go through the correct channels as much as possible.
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      “This is why I have not spoken on it publicly, even though I have been asked a lot about it over the past few months because I have been desperately trying to find a solution with the FA and with Nike.
      “On a personal level, it is obviously hugely hurtful considering the last 12 months especially – and also I think there has been an incredible rise in goalkeeping participation over that year.
      “I have discussed it with Ellie Roebuck. She is incredibly disappointed. As a whole goalkeeper union, we are all tremendously disappointed.”
      Earps, who plays for Manchester United, made history in May when she became the first shot stopper to keep 50 clean sheets in the WSL
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      And Red Devils’ goalkeeper jerseys emblazoned with her name are said to be a popular-selling item at the club. 
      The England star, who has more than 665,000 TikTok followers added: “My shirt on the Manchester United website was sold out last season. 
      “It was the third best-selling shirt. That was my frustration and I ask, can there be any solution? Can there be a replica shirt that can be sold to young people?
      “I am not talking about adults respectfully, adults are important in this situation, but it is the young kids I am most concerned about.
      “They are going to say ‘mum, dad can I have a Mary Earps shirt’ and they say ‘I can’t but I can get you an Alessia Russo 23 or a Rachel Daly 9.’ 
      “And so what you are saying is that goalkeeping isn’t important, but you can be a striker if you want. 
      “That is why I am so passionate and have been desperate to change that narrative. Big businesses don’t do enough in my opinion.”
      This Saturday Earps will take to the field at Brisbane Stadium in Australia when England face Haiti in their first match of the World Cup.
      The duel with the Group D minnows comes almost a year after she became the first England keeper to lift a Women’s Euros trophy. 
      Other women’s national sides whose official goalkeeper shirts do not appear to be available for sale via their merchandise stores include the United States,
      The national kit for the four-time World Cup-winning giants is also produced by Nike who were contacted for comment.
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      Earps added: “I think [discussions with other federations] may happen post-World Cup. I would love to hear their views.”
      Nike have been contacted for comment. More

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      I suffered bone aches and mouth ulcers through cancer but beat it – now I’ve made history at Women’s World Cup

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      NEW ZEALAND and Brighton defender Rebekah Stott has bravely spoken out about her cancer diagnosis and how it inspired her World Cup dream.The 30-year-old, who played in today’s opening game of the World Cup, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in March 2021, just a few months after joining Brighton in the Women’s Super League.
      Stott made history with New Zealand on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      The defender is a key member of the New Zealand squadCredit: Getty
      Stott kept fans updated on her progress through her blogCredit: INSTAGRAM @beatitbystotty
      But just five months later, following several rounds of gruelling treatment, she entered complete remission.
      In an episode of the Discovery+ documentary, ‘World at Their Feet’, Stott opened up about her diagnosis and her incredible journey back into football.
      “Obviously, I came to Brighton all excited and ready to go,” she said.
      “I had a little bit of a lump on my neck. It kept growing and getting bigger and bigger. I had surgery, I had a needle biopsy.
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      “Finally, after about three or four months, we got the diagnosis that I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
      “‘Why did this happen to me?’, has definitely gone through my head a lot, but I know that I will never know the answer to that.
      “‘Yes, this sucks, but I have a good prognosis. In a c**p situation, I am lucky’.
      “It was all quite rushed. I was straight in for my first day of chemo. The first cycle was bad. I was throwing up everywhere.
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      “And then bone aches, headaches, dizziness, mouth ulcers, they were probably one of the worst because you were trying to eat, and it would just be impossible.”
      Despite the difficult circumstances she endured, Stott remained upbeat as she kept fans updated through social media and her blog, ‘Beat It by Stotty’.
      The defender also remained determined to return to football and used that, along with family and friends, to inspire her through months of treatment.
      She added: “My family was great. My friends were really there for me. I had a lot of people looking after me.
      “The thought of getting back to football when I finished my cancer treatment was always there and that was always my goal, to get back on the field, so that was a huge motivation for me.”
      In July 2021, just a matter of months after being diagnosed, the New Zealand star announced that she was in complete remission.
      In a blog post, she wrote: “This is the blog I’ve been hanging out to write, I’m officially in COMPLETE REMISSION. It’s surreal and I’m still not quite sure how to describe the feeling, but I’m filled with so much happiness and I’m so appreciative to everyone who has helped me along the way.”
      Within just a few months of entering remission, Stott re-joined Melbourne City before signing a two-year deal with Brighton in 2022.
      And her World Cup dream came true last month when she was named in Jitka Klimkova’s 23-woman New Zealand squad.
      Stott made history with New Zealand on the opening day of the tournament this week, helping the country to it’s first-ever World Cup win.
      The Football Ferns earned a shock 1-0 win over Norway, who are ranked 12th in the world by FIFA.
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      Hannah Wilkinson broke the deadlock just after half time following an excellent passage of team play.
      Ria Percival had the opportunity to double New Zealand’s lead late in the game, but her penalty rattled the crossbar.
      New Zealand beat Norway 1-0 in the opening game of the World CupCredit: Getty More

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      New Zealand 1 Norway 0: Hosts make history with first World Cup win EVER including the men’s team

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      HOST nation New Zealand made history on home soil by winning their first-ever World Cup match against 12th-ranked Norway.In a game where they were perhaps viewed as the underdogs, the Football Ferns dominated their disjointed opponents from the off while being roared on by 40,000 fans.
      Wilkinson’s second-half strike secured the win for New ZealandCredit: Getty
      Hannah Wilkinson’s second-half strike – which was the final product of a phenomenal passage of team play – was all that separated the two teams at the final whistle.
      New Zealand had the opportunity to extend their advantage late in the game, but Ria Percival’s penalty – which was awarded in a historic VAR check following a handball from Tuva Hansen – rattled the crossbar, leaving the host nation shaken with nerves as the clock ticked down.
      But they held on – just about. Norway had a few chances of their own, arguably the best coming from a close-range Frida Maanum strike, but each of them were ultimately wasted in the end.
      For Norway, it was supposed to be a fresh start following last year’s European Championship disappointment.
      Prior to the match, Caroline Graham Hansen emphasised that her teammates wanted to capitalise on the opportunity to progress further in the tournament.
      But if today was anything to go by, they could be left disappointed once again.

      RESULT: New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      FREE live stream: BBC iPlayer
      TV channel: BBC One
      New Zealand XI: Esson; Bott, Bowen, Ashley Stott, Riley; Hassett, Percival, Steinmetz; Paige Riley, Wilkinson, Hand
      Norway XI: Mikalsen; Bjelde, Mjelde, Harviken, Hansen; Engen, Maanum, Reiten; Graham Hansen, Hagerbeg, Blakstad

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      Follow all the action with our live blog below…
      Full Time – New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Norway will be bitterly disappointed with that performance.
      Far too many mistakes were made and New Zealand were quick to capitalise.
      The likes of Frida Maanum, Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen and Guro Reiten barely made an impact as the Grasshoppers struggled to create many goalscoring opportunities.
      Credit: Reuters
      Full Time – New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      What a performance from the hosts!
      They completely dominated from the off while being cheered on by 40,000 fans.
      Eden Park is bouncing with the energy of thousands of locals – this will surely be a night they’ll never forget.
      Credit: Getty
      Full Time – New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      They’ve done it!
      New Zealand have won their first-ever World Cup match!
      Eden Park is bouncing!
      Credit: Reuters
      90+5. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Esson is almost caught out by a wayward cross/shot from Haavi, but the ball narrowly loops over the crossbar.
      90+3. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Bjelde has been forced off with an injury.
      She has been replaced by Sonstevold.
      90. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Percival misses the spot kick!
      The ball rattles the crossbar!
      Nine minutes have been added on, we’re in for a dramatic ending!
      Credit: Getty
      87. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      PENALTY FOR NEW ZEALAND!
      After a VAR check, the referee awards the hosts with a penalty for a handball on Hansen in the box!
      86. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Another change for New Zealand as we approach the final few minutes of the match.
      Wilkinson makes way for Satchell.
      The striker receives an incredible reception from the crowd at Eden Park.
      81. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Norway come close to levelling the score!
      They’ve struggled to make the most of their chances so far in this game, but this is by far the closest the Grasshoppers have come to scoring.
      The ball is set to Hansen on the edge of the box, who unleashes a powerful strike.
      It looks to be heading into the top corner, but Esson gets her fingertips to the ball to deflect it onto the crossbar!
      76. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Wilkinson is sent through on goal again.
      She turns to hold the ball up before setting it back to Percival, who unleashes a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but her effort flies wide.
      74. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Another change for Norway.
      Boe Risa is on to replace Maanum.
      70. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      New Zealand make their first change.
      Stott is replaced by Bunge.
      67. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Haavi picks up the ball in midfield and carries it down the left before attempting to cross it into the box, but her pass flies out for a goal kick.
      Another chance wasted for Norway.
      62. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Norway go for goal again as Hegerberg receives the ball on the left and plays a short pass to Graham Hansen in the box.
      But the winger gets the ball stuck under her feet and Stott tracks back to make the tackle.
      59. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Huge chance for Norway!
      Maanum receives the ball on the edge of the six-yard box and goes for goal, but her shot runs wide!
      Credit: AP
      56. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Norway make a change.
      Blakstad is replaced by Haavi.
      53. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      VAR check!
      The officials took a minute to check for a potential handball from Harviken in the box, but nothing is given.
      49. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      The ball is sent through to Hand on the right, who drives down the wing before squaring it to Wilkinson.
      The striker is left completely free in the box and fires the ball past Mikalsen and into the back of the net.
      What a way to open a home tournament!
      Credit: Getty
      48. GOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL NEW ZEALAND!
      The hosts break the deadlock!
      Kick Off – New Zealand 0-0 Norway
      We’re back underway!
      Half Time – New Zealand 0-0 Norway
      Norway will be disappointed with that first half display.
      Far too many players were sloppy on the ball, causing a lack of possession.
      And the likes of Maanum, Reiten and Hegerberg were kept quiet throughout, minimising the team’s goal threat.
      Hege Riise may have to change things at the break.
      Credit: Reuters
      Half Time – New Zealand 0-0 Norway
      New Zealand have certainly had the better chances so far in this game, but the deadlock is yet to be broken.
      Credit: Getty
      44. New Zealand 0-0 Norway
      Huge chance for New Zealand just before half time as Hand flicks a first time pass through to Wilkinson, who makes an excellent run into the box.
      The striker winds up her shot, but Bjelde makes a last-gasp challenge to steer the ball clear.
      40. New Zealand 0-0 Norway
      Norway attempt an attack as Riley picks up the ball on the right.
      She sends it inside to Wilkinson, who turns and sets it back out to Hand on the left, but Graham Hansen tracks back to make the tackle before the winger reaches the final third.
      37. New Zealand 0-0 Norway
      Norway finally get another look-in at goal as Graham Hansen drives down the right before squaring the ball to Hegerberg on the penalty spot.
      The striker looks to take her shot first time, but Stott makes a fantastic last-ditch tackle to make the block.
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