In a day marked by both celebration and sorrow, New Zealand secured their first-ever Women's World Cup victory, overcoming Norway 1-0 just hours after a tragic shooting incident near the team hotel in Auckland.

The incident, which unfolded at a construction site around 7:30 a.m. local time, claimed the lives of two individuals and left several others injured, including a police officer. The 24-year-old gunman, reportedly a worker at the site, opened fire within a building before being found dead by police.

The proximity of the shooting to Norway's team hotel and Eden Park Stadium cast a shadow over the opening match. However, the Football Ferns, undeterred, delivered a historic performance in front of a record crowd.

Defender Katie Bowen acknowledged the impact of the tragedy, stating, "Everyone was pretty shocked. This isn't something that typically happens in New Zealand." Despite the emotional weight of the day, the team rallied together, focusing on the match ahead.

Hannah Wilkinson's goal early in the second half proved decisive, securing New Zealand's first win in six World Cup appearances. The victory was especially significant against Group A favorites Norway, who reached the quarterfinals in the 2019 tournament.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster reassured the public that the tournament would proceed as planned, emphasizing that there was no ongoing threat and matches remained safe to attend. He highlighted the police's involvement in the World Cup's security planning, ensuring they were prepared to manage any impact on the event.

While the injured officer initially was in critical condition, their status has since stabilized. Four other individuals also sustained injuries of varying severity.