Source: Radio New Zealand
Football Ferns www.photosport.nz
Coach Michael Mayne says the Football Ferns won’t take their Oceania qualifying campaign in the Solomon Islands lightly, despite their traditional dominance over Pacific rivals.
New Zealand take their first step towards qualifying for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup when they face Samoa in Honiara (3pm NZT).
Their other Group A opponents are the Solomon Islands and America Samoa, with the top two teams from the pool advancing to the semi-finals and final, hosted by New Zealand in April.
Mayne said the message to his players is that the standard is improving within Oceania.
“We know what’s at the end of this series. I think it’s good that we still feel pressure coming into these games. That’s the way it should be,” Mayne said.
“I know these other three teams are going to be all chasing the same dream. I think in terms of the women’s game in the Pacific… I’ve been around the age group. I’ve been to a number of these tournaments. I can see the gap closing.
“I know every single one of these teams that we play over the next 10 days will be well set up, well organised. That’s exciting for us, and we’re used to tough challenges.
“There’s no point worrying about the final or anything. We’ve got to get through the next week first. That’s a good place to be, I think, mentally for the group.”
Michael Mayne www.photosport.nz
Mayne said his players acclimatised quickly to the heat of Honiara.
“The first couple of days have been really good. The facilities and everything here are looking great for the way we want to play and I think probably the difference at the moment is I’m really lucky to have a squad that’s based all around the world in different clubs, different environments, playing different levels.
“To be able to sort of draw some of that experience into the team but also have some really exciting players coming into our squad for this one is a real positive, I think, for the team.”
Three uncapped players are in Mayne’s 23-woman squad.
They are teenage Wellington Phoenix forward Pia Vlok, Newcastle Jets midfielder Charlotte Lancaster and Australian-based goalkeeper Maddie Iro.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
