- Both LCFC Women stars started with a win at the 2023 Women's World Cup
- CJ Bott played the full game as New Zealand beat Norway
- Australia defeated Republic of Ireland as Courtney Nevin was an unused substitute
The 2023 Women's World Cup commenced on Thursday morning, as both home nations, New Zealand and Australia, started their journeys with 1-0 wins, ending the day at the top of Group A and B respectively.
With an early BST kick-off time of 8am, Bott was named in the Football Ferns starting XI to face Norway, and had a solid shift at right-back, playing for the entire first match of the tournament.
The defender was even involved in the initial movement for the only goal of the game, as she touched the ball down to be played into the channel for Jacqueline Hand, who crossed it into the path of Melbourne City striker Hannah Wilkinson to volley home.
Under immense pressure from former world champions Norway, the co-hosts had the chance to put the game out of reach with a penalty, which, unfortunately for Tottenham Hotspur's Ria Percival, struck the crossbar and stayed out. But after 11 minutes of additional time, New Zealand claimed victory at Eden Park, starting the tournament in fantastic fashion.
An hour later, Australia were in action against Republic of Ireland as Nevin, who made her move to Leicestershire permanent this summer, was kept on the bench for their first match.
Goalless until the second half, the deadlock was finally broken by Arsenal defender and Australian captain Steph Catley, who dispatched her penalty past Courtney Brosnan to ensure three group stage points.
Both City stars have plenty more chances to impress on the international stage; Bott first of all in the early hours of next Tuesday (6:30am kick-off) when New Zealand face the Philippines before Nevin's chance to play for the Matildas in their second match, against Nigeria on Thursday (11am kick-off).
All times BST.