Football World Cup: New Zealand not resting on laurels after history-making victory over Norway

The job's not done. 

That's the message from the Football Ferns, even after their historic victory to open the Women's World Cup on Thursday night.

Previously winless at World Cups, the Football Ferns set the tournament alight with a 1-0 victory over Norway at Eden Park - despite a 14-place difference between the two sides in FIFA's global rankings.

Now though, the goalposts have definitely shifted.

The Football Ferns celebrates.
The Football Ferns celebrates. Photo credit: Getty Images

From a side who'd never won at a World Cup before, the Football Ferns can now become the first senior team to advance to the knockout stage of a senior tournament.

Games against the Philippines in Wellington on Tuesday, and Switzerland in Dunedin next Sunday stand between the Ferns and progression, with another win to guarantee a spot in the next round.

But, while the dust settles on Thursday's history-making victory, goalscorer Hannah Wilkinson said the team's focus has not shifted in the slightest. 

"[It was] amazing, absolutely incredible, everyone's stoked," said Wilkinson. "The energy is really, really high. Everyone's in high spirits at the moment.

"Honestly, we're all just ecstatic. But what's really special though, is while we are celebrating and extremely happy, we're already thinking about and preparing for the next game. We know how important that is.

"While it was historic and an amazing achievement, we've still got a big job to do."

Hannah Wilkinson celebrates.
Hannah Wilkinson celebrates. Photo credit: Getty Images

Recent history is on the Football Ferns' side.

Last September, Jitka Klimkova's side came from 0-1 down to beat their next opponents in a friendly match in Oslo.

What's more, the Football Ferns will get a look at both of their next opponents on Friday night, when the Philippines meet Switzerland in Dunedin. 

And now brimming with confidence after toppling Norway - the strongest side in Group A - the Football Ferns can bank on their recent history to make it two wins from two, and book their ticket into the round of 16.

"We will review the game against Norway," said Klimkova. "We'll focus on things we've done well, things we want to keep improving. Those are our processes that are happening after every game.

"We've studied the Philippines, we've played them, we know them very well. We'll be watching tonight's game against Switzerland, then we have three days to get ready for it.

"The preparation will be very similar to how we did it against Norway. Those nine weeks we spent together, we were preparing for all three games with this team.

"We already have a lot of knowledge of the Philippines, and now we'll just focus on little details that'll help us to beat them, again."

But even on the cusp of even more history with progression from the group, Klimkova is not counting her chickens. 

"We go game by game, step by step," Klimkova added. "Philippines are next.

"We'll totally focus on that game, and see what happens."

Join Newshub at 5:30pm Tuesday for live updates of the NZ v Philippines Football World Cup clash