WWC: Footage of New Zealand Player in Tears with Mom After Historic Win Goes Viral

• New Zealand caused the first upset of the Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 win over Norway
• Veteran New Zealand player Ali Riley could not help but cry after the famous victory
• It was New Zealand’s first win at a World Cup in both the men's and women’s game

There was a wholesome moment at the Women’s World Cup on Thursday, July 20 as New Zealand captain Ali Riley broke down in tears after her nation’s first-ever win.

New Zealand, co-hosting the global spectacle, got off to the perfect campaign thanks to a narrow 1-0 win over heavyweights Norway.

The game's only goal came from Hannah Wilkinson, who scored three minutes into the second half, with New Zealand holding on to the lead until full time.

At full-time, emotions ran high among the New Zealand ladies, as it was their first ever World Cup win in their sixth appearance at the finals.

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Arguably, no one will have appreciated the victory more than 35-year-old Ali Riley, who has soldiered on with her nation in three past editions of the World Cup with little success.

At full-time, Riley ran up to her mother in the stands and the two shared an emotional hug as they both broke down in tears as seen in a video shared by @ACPandemonium

Riley’s parents have been attending New Zealand games for the last three World Cups, and it was on Thursday that they got to witness the nation secure a first victory.

What Riley said after the game

Speaking after the game, Riley said, per TalkSport:

“I'm so, so proud, we've been fighting for this for so long.”

"We had a clear goal that we wanted to inspire young girls, young people around this country and around the world. And I really think we did that tonight. Anything is possible."

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Nigerian named player of the match

Sports Brief also reported on how Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie was named Woman of the Match after her heroics against Canada in Nigeria’s first World Cup game.

Heading into the tie, the Super Falcons had been urged to make the fans at home happy and they certainly did their best against an equally determined side.

Canada had a chance to take the lead in the 59th minute when they were awarded a penalty, with Christine Sinclair stepping up.

However, Nnadozie dived well to save the kick and was also named the player of the match, according to a tweet by one Nigerian Football Federation official, Ruth David.