Just few minutes to the commencement of the opening match of the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup between New Zealand and Norway, a horrible event of deadly shooting occurred in the city of Auckland.
The incident which saw the demise of two people and left six people severely injured happened in the largest city in New Zealand.
The Shooting took place around a construction site in a central business district. The gunman was declared dead after the horrible event, and it was not seen as an act of terrorism.
The gunman, named Matu Tangi Matua Reid, is well known to the police, who claimed that he had a history of family violence and mental health issues.
Over the months, he had been placed under home detention, but there are exemptions to work on the site. He doesn’t have the right to own firearms in the Country.
Reid was monitored by an ankle bracelet monitor. It was reported that he has been participating in anti-violence programs.
In New Zealand, gun-related issues are minimal, and there is a strict law on the use of guns in the country. The last gun related issue happened in 2019, when an Australian opened fire on two mosques, killing 51 worshippers.
However, FIFA has been informed about the incident, and the match between New Zealand and Norway went ahead, with the hosts defeating Norway by a goal to nil.
The football governing body reacted to the event by saying it was “in constant contact with the participating teams affected by this incident”.
“Fifa extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following the incident that occurred this morning in Auckland, New Zealand, and our thoughts and prayers remain with those who have been injured in this tragic incident.”
A lot of spectators had traveled from different parts of the world to show support for their respective nations. It is the biggest event for women’s sports.
A record 32 teams are present for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
The games will be played in the next four weeks. Auckland will host nine out of the 64 matches that are expected to be played. The final of the match will be on August 20, 2023.
2023 Women’s World Cup Results for matchday two
Nigeria vs Canada (0-0)
Philippines vs Switzerland (0-2)
Spain vs Costa Rica (3-0)
What Next For New Zealand Women Team
New Zealand will face the Philippines on July 25, 2023, at 6:30 a.m. at Wellington Regional Stadium.
It is going to be an interesting game to watch, but New Zealand has been tipped to win the match.
A win will further put them on Top of Group C, given that Switzerland failed to win their match against Norway.
