This post is a repeat from June, 2023, which mysteriously disappeared. Better late than never…

Today marks the end of our first week in Auckland and we have explored the city and attended two fine footballing contests. New Zealand thoroughly deserved their victory in the opening game. They pressed Norway with passion and consistency from the get-go. Their self-belief grew as the game went on. And their efforts paid off early in the second half with a power play down the right side of the Norwegian defense that produced a smash and grab goal. The home fans were solidly supportive, urging the team on. Later in the second half the home team could have put the icing on it with a penalty kick but it smashed off the cross bar. It was the first ever win for a New Zealand team in the World Cup and the country has rightly gone a bit nuts.

The game between Vietnam and the United States was a rare  instance where both teams implemented their game plans perfectly. The U.S. dominated possession and were aerially and physically superior. But Vietnam executed their damage limitation plan  brilliantly and consistently. They defended doggedly and vigorously (too vigorously according to some U.S. fans) and were still running and working hard right to the end. Their goalkeeper saved a penalty from Alex Morgan and bravely recovered some of her misplays. The gaps between top teams and others may be more narrow in this competition.

Sophia Smith earned the MVP award for her two goals. The first was a team beauty. Horan’s searching pass from midfield was tenderly touched by Morgan into the channel where Smith was charging in to score. Her second goal had to survive a VAR review. In my opinion, Lindsay Horan was equally worthy of the award. She was utterly imposing in midfield, inspiring, controlling and harassing her opponents. She had a few chances that she fluffed but finally got her reward in the second half with the third goal, decisively struck. Julie Ertz returned to the team with a powerhouse display alongside Naomi Girma. All the U.S. vital bench players got a workout. Midfield creativity and improvisation went up a couple of notches when Rose Lavelle entered. Megan Rapinoe appeared and while her touch was uncharacteristically sluggish she put precise corners and free kicks into the danger zone.

Management of the games and the fans have been exemplary. Entries and exits from Eden Park have been smooth. Every ticket includes free public transportation to and from the games. Even the weather has cooperated. The rain forecast for the opening game held off until after the match.

Auckland, a cornucopia of diversity

Auckland is not a homogenous city. There is a wide range of people, cultures and food. We see significant numbers of people who appear to be Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Pacific Islander and, of course, Māori. The indigenous people make up 15% of the nation’s population, according to our airport shuttle driver. He was of the opinion that they got a lot of deference from government policies and programs for “past wrongs.” Not an unfamiliar viewpoint for those of us who live in the U.S.

We have found people to be friendly, courteous and helpful, especially bus drivers, and staff in shops and cafes. Perhaps, old-fashioned is the right descriptor. There are tourists and visitors, like ourselves, but many are immigrants as far as we can tell. The country is sports-mad with fields, pitches, clubhouses and facilities everywhere. Rugby is the the dominant sport but by all accounts soccer is catching up fast.

Juliet thinks the wide street, Ponsonby Road, near where we are staying has a 1970s Belfast vibe, without the Troubles and with better coffee. She is intrigued by the fashions, also reminiscent of the 70s, lots of green and brown stripes. There is a wide selection of tattoo parlors and one tattoo removal service for those with later regrets. We also have a choice of psychologists, therapists, massage therapists and chiropractors. All in white, colonial-style houses with verandas. Even waiting for a bus is an occasion for style. Photo

Later this week, we head to Wellington to see two group decider games: the U.S. and the Netherlands and Spain vs. Japan. Japan scored the biggest victory so far putting five goals past the hapless Zambia. The Dutch women will match up to the U.S. in skill and physique and will be keen to make up for their loss in the 2019 final.