New Zealand
The New Zealand Women’s Football team once again qualify for a World Cup tournament without breaking a sweat. Whilst you can read my thoughts on Oceania having an automatic qualification spot at the World Cup later on in this piece, there is no doubt that the Football Ferns are good enough to be on the plane to France. As one of the teams I had the pleasure of watching live at the scenic Leichhardt Oval against the mighty Matildas, one thing is clear: the New Zealander’s have a lot of work to do if they are to compete with the best. Their style will not change, that being to absorb pressure and break quickly to try and score on the counter.
In qualifying the Football Ferns worst result was a 6-0 victory over the Cook Islands, whilst resting some of their best players, in front of 100 fans… However, some of New Zealand’s highest quality footballers have a great deal of experience in big games and will be looking to piggyback their younger less experienced players through this huge tournament. And you can guarantee a recent 1-0 victory over Norway will fill the squad and the nation with belief.
PREDICTION: Group: 4th Prediction: Out
Fact: After New Zealand fans watch their local heroes compete against Canada at 8am NZDT on the 10th of June, they can take the 14 hour flight to Vancouver and still arrive before 8am on the 10th of June Canadian time. Perhaps they could share a bacon and maple syrup breakfast whilst reminiscing about a great game of football.
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