Hi all, FYI, the following fixtures are taking place shortly as the Football Ferns ramp up their preparations for the Olympics. Times are all NZ. June 17, v. China, Mangere Centre Park, Auckland, 2.30pm June 20, v. China, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, 7.30pm - live on Sky TV in NZ June 24, v. Australia, WIN Stadium, Wollongong, 5.00pm June 27, v. Australia, WIN Stadium, Wollongong, 4.30pm From there, they head to Europe, where, as part of their preparations, they'll be taking part in the Matchworld Cup tournament again, at various venues in Switzerland, July 9-18. The draw has yet to be confirmed, but it's anticipated a couple of other Olympics contenders will be using this tournament for the same purpose. Cheers, JR
One of the greatest results in the 40-year history of NZ women's football was recorded at Mangere Centre Park on 17 June, 2012. Football Ferns 3 (H. Moorwood (9), S. Gregorius (28), A. Hearn (77)), China 1 (Zhang Rui (70)) A full match report (once written) will appear on www.sportswebsoccer.com Cheers, (A bloody proud) JR
That's really great for NZ, I guess it's one of first times they beat a supposedly "great" international team... Although it has to be said that it's some years that China seems to be on the descending part of its curve (failed to qualify for both 2011 WWC and 2012 Olympics... ).
After the 1-1 tie with the USA in February (subtracting the goal that even the USWNT players admitted was a blown call) , the second 0-0 tie with the USA in a closed session match, perhaps we should no longer be stunned when our amazing Footy Ferns blow China off the field. The Ferns showed real spirit at the 2011 World Cup and many were rewarded with professional contracts in Europe. Thanks to that experience, the team has come a long way since last July. I am so proud of them all. Go Ferns!
After twelve successive defeats at the hands of China, the Football Ferns have now posted back-to-back wins over the Steel Roses, the second a 1-0 win at North Harbour Stadium. Full report on www.sportswebsoccer.com later today (once it's written!)
Sorry for my ignorance, but I live in Europe and I don't know much about NZ: why New Zelandian (? Not sure it's the actual name of NZ inhabitants ) players are called "Ferns"?
No problem, Blissett. This will assist: http://www.nzflag.com/silverfern.cfm And we are known as Kiwis, after our native bird: http://www.chemistry.co.nz/kiwibird.htm
Here's the latest on the Football Ferns' pre-Olympics campaign: http://www.ultimatenzsoccer.com/FootballFerns/australia_24612.htm Cheers, JR
Hi all, This year's Matchworld Cup fixtures have finally been confirmed. July 14 in Chatel St. Denis: Canada v. Football Ferns (4pm local, 2am 15th NZ time) Brazil v. Columbia (7pm local) July 17 in Saviese: Columbia v. Football Ferns (4pm local, 2am 18th NZ time) Brazil v. Canada (7pm local) More info here: http://www.matchworld-cup.com/en/women/news/index.php?idIndex=0&idContent=701 Cheers, JR
Hi scousekiwi, thanks for directing me here - what are the "three friendly matches" talked about in this article? http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/loc...all-Ferns-held-by-Australia-after-late-strike "They then head to Switzerland for three friendly games to complete their preparations." Seems to be only 2 in the Matchworld Cup - is there another match in the pipeline outside of this tournament?
Hi MCruic, Quite possibly something on July 11, although nothing confirmed as yet. I expect to know more after the squad is announced at 1500 local time on Friday. The Matchworld Cup was originally planned to be a six-team event - two groups of three, with crossover play-offs. It then became a four-team tournament, but with ourselves and Brazil having been drawn in the same group, that ruled out a pre-Olympic clash. Hence the two games. Brazil is playing Eire on 11 July, venue TBA. Meantime, a wrap-up on the second Australian encounter can be found here: http://www.ultimatenzsoccer.com/FootballFerns/australia_27612.htm
Hi all, The Football Ferns squad was announced today: GK Jenny Bindon, Rebecca Rolls DF Abby Erceg, Anna Green, Kristy Hill, Ria Percival, Ali Riley, Rebecca Smith (c), Rebecca Stott MF Betsy Hassett, Katie Hoyle, Annalie Longo, Hayley Moorwood, Kirsty Yallop FW Sarah Gregorius, Amber Hearn, Rosie White, Hannah Wilkinson Stand-by: Katie Bowen, Sarah McLaughlin, Erin Nayler, Holly Patterson And arrangements for a training (non-cap-earning) fixture for July 11 are being worked on. Cheers, JR