Lack of goals hurts Football Ferns as they bow out of World Cup

New Zealand’s Ali Riley.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Football Ferns World Cup run came to an end on Sunday night in Dunedin and a lack of goals played a big part in their demise.

Their 0-0 draw with Switzerland along with Norway’s 6-0 win over the Philippines meant the New Zealanders finished third in their group and missed out on a place in the round of 16.

Goals have been hard to come by for the Ferns, who only managed one at this tournament.

With Norway going ahead early in their game at Eden Park, co-hosts New Zealand knew they had to win.

Roared on by 26,000 under the roof in Dunedin, New Zealand lacked nothing in effort but couldn’t find the goal they needed to progress.

Midfielder Malia Steinmetz expressed the side’s disappointment after the game.

“We’re obviously gutted, we’re proud of ourselves but at the end of the day we wanted that win and you could see it in the dying minutes, so yeah we’re just gutted about this.”

Jacqui Hand and Olivia Chance both hit the post, but there was no way through the Swiss defence.

While they only managed one goal in the tournament, the Football Ferns also only conceded one goal and a big part of that was due to defender Rebekah Stott.

“It was frustrating to not get a goal but our defence was good and we went to our game plan and so it’s just unfortunate that we couldn’t finish a chance,” Stott said.

Despite the early exit, with New Zealand becoming the first host to fail to advance from the group stage of a World Cup, coach Jitka Klimkova believes the players can be proud of themselves.

“It was emotional, there were a lot of tears so it’s always hard to find the words but we felt people around us that were behind us and that’s what we wanted.

“In the end of the day this team can be absolutely proud of themselves and we are.”

New Zealand’s Football Ferns huddle after their World Cup game against Switzerland.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Football Ferns and the public have made a connection over the last couple of week’s and Steinmetz said the players felt the aroha.

“It’s more than I’ve ever felt and ever could have experienced and I’m just not used to it.

“Even at the end of the game everyone stayed to cheer us on and chant and that’s even after not getting through so I think it’s so special I think this country is amazing, I’m so proud to be from here.”

Klimkova, who is contracted through to the next World Cup, believes her team has made huge progress during this tournament and she feels the country is now right behind them.

“Now New Zealand understands who Football Ferns are.

“There’s a lot of little girls and boys who are ready to start playing football. We woke up the passion of football in New Zealand.”

The Football Ferns next major assignment is next year’s Paris Olympics.