AUCKLAND – The final leg of the Football Ferns’ and Thai Airways Oly-Whites’ Road to Beijing will wind its way through Australia and South-East Asia with month-long tours in July.

Building on a double-header against their Australian counterparts in Sydney on July 12, each side completes preparation for New Zealand’s first ever Olympic football appearances with games against Asian opposition before arriving in the Olympic village in late July ahead of their opening Olympic fixtures on August 6 (women) and 7 (men).

The Oly-Whites follow their Olyroos test with an even tougher examination two days later against A-League runners-up Central Coast Mariners.

They then travel to Jakarta where a clash against the Indonesian full national side is sandwiched between two matches against club opposition.

New Zealand Football is also in discussion with the Chilean Football Federation for two matches against the Chile U-23 side in Wellington in early July.

Meanwhile the Football Ferns tread a different path after their game against the Matildas, heading for an early taste of Chinese conditions with back-to-back games against the Olympic hosts, before moving to Singapore for games against Singapore and Canada.

After slowly piecing together the preparation puzzle, Oly-Whites head coach Stu Jacobs was pleased to focus on a schedule that provided plenty of opportunity to adjust to tough opposition and tough conditions.

“When you’re preparing for a tournament of this stature, teams are slow to commit themselves, and it can be tough to confirm fixtures. However, we’ve got a program modelled on teams we’ll face and gives us time in China to recover and get in time on the training pitch,” Jacobs said.

“The Australian teams will be very strong so it’s a great start for us and it keeps the relationship between the two countries going, which is important.”

“The Indonesians will be a good warm-up for our opener against China. They’ll be quite good technically and very quick. Conditions will be similar to China so it’ll give us a chance to acclimatise as well.”

Football Ferns head coach John Herdman echoed Jacobs’s sentiments about the value of acclimatisation, and about the benefits of off-shore preparation.

“It’s a great build-up and at a higher level than we had before the last World Cup. Every game will have a very clear purpose, with games against opposition of a similar ilk to our Olympic opponents,” Herdman said.

“The Aussie, China and Canada games give us further benchmarks while the match against Singapore offers the chance to practice different scenarios and ensure all our players see game time.”

At least one of the Football Ferns matches against China in Qinhuangdao will be at the same stadium as their Olympic opener against Japan, with Herdman identifying obvious benefits.

“China are a very similar team to Japan so it’s crucial we get into Asian conditions and get used to playing Asian teams.”

Final squads for both teams will be announced in early July.

Thai Airways Oly-Whites schedule

July 12 v Australia – North Sydney Oval
July 15 v Central Coast Mariners - Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga
July 20 v PSMS Medan – Jakarta
July 24 v Indonesia – Jakarta
July 26 v Persija – Jakarta
XXIX Olympiad
August 7: New Zealand v China PR – Shengyang
August 10: New Zealand v Brazil – Shengyang
August 13: New Zealand v Belgium – Shanghai

Football Ferns Schedule

July 12 v Australia – North Sydney Oval
July 16 v China – Qinhuangdao
July 20 v China – Qinhuangdao
July 23 v Singapore – Singapore
July 25 v Canada – Singapore
XXIX Olympiad
August 6: New Zealand v Japan – Qinhuangdao
August 9: New Zealand v Norway – Qinhuangdao
August 12: New Zealand v USA – Shengyang

Story provided by NZF Media. For more information visit www.nzsoccer.com

AUCKLAND - The Football Ferns were left to rue bad luck and a horror start after losing 0-2 to Canada in the Peace Queen Cup on Wednesday night.

The shock of a first minute goal to Christine Sinclair was topped by a red card for reserve goalkeeper Rachel Howard – two minutes after coming on as a halftime replacement for Jenny Bindon.

In just her second international, defender Kristy Hill was forced to don a borrowed pair of gloves and finish the game in goal. That she only conceded the resulting Kara Lang penalty was testimony to a courageous 10-player fight-back that denied Canada any threatening chances from open play in the second half.

With less than a minute played Canadian goal-machine Sinclair created enough of an opening on the edge of the area to squeeze off a curling shot over the outstretched leg of her marker.

Story and photographs courtesy New Zealand Football Media 

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Football Ferns defender Kirsty Hill dons the goalkeeper gloves after the sending off of Rachel Howard

New Zealand's Emma Kete breaks through the Canada defence 

Canada celebrate the final whistle and a place in the Peace Queen Cup Final 

AUCKLAND – The Football Ferns are aiming to shake the hangover of Monday’s history-making Peace Queen Cup win over Argentina by claiming the scalp of world number nine Canada in Suwon on Wednesday.

A confidence boosting but energy sapping 1-0 win over the South American champions – their first outside Oceania since 1993 – kept alive New Zealand’s hopes of making the Peace Queen Cup final, but with a four goal margin victory needed to overhaul the group leading Canadians, head coach John Herdman would happily take a second taste of victory.

“We’re in a tournament so we have to treat it as such, and take a run at making the final” Herdman said.

“That’s the dream goal, but the key is to get a result against a top tier nation.”

Adding extra incentive to Wednesday night’s Group A decider, is the fact that the ninth ranked Canadians offer a pointer to the three teams – Japan (world number 10), Norway (4), and USA (1) – Herdman’s side will meet in August.

Story and photographs courtesy of NZF Media...

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For all the latest news and updates in New Zealand Football please visit www.nzfootball.co.nz 

AUCKLAND – The New Zealand Football Ferns gave their Olympic preparation a timely boost, and kept their hopes of making the Peace Queen Cup final alive with an historic 1-0 win over South American champions Argentina in Suwon, Korea on Monday night.

Former Arsenal striker Amber Hearn got the only goal of the game – her first at international level – in the seventh minute, heading home from six yards after the Argentinean goalkeeper could only tip Rebecca Smith’s 35 yard free kick on to the cross bar.

New Zealand dominated the first half and could have led by more at the break but had to withstand a second half fight-back from the South Americans to record the first win for any New Zealand football side over Argentina.

Story courtesy NZF Media

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AUCKLAND – The Football Ferns head into a Peace Queen Cup showdown in Suwon against Argentina on Monday night (NZT) ready to weather a South American storm and keep their hopes of a finals place alive.

New Zealand lost 2-1 to Korea in the opening game of the tournament while Argentina sit bottom of the group after a 5-0 loss to Canada, meaning both sides need a win to have any hopes of winning Group A and making Saturday’s final.

As extra motivation the Football Ferns can claim New Zealand’s first victory at any level over the football powerhouse, although head coach John Herdman says it’s just part of the picture.

"It’s a massive opportunity to make a bit of history, but first and foremost the players want the three points to keep the dream of making the Peace Queen Cup final alive," Herdman said

Story courtesy of NZF Media

For the latest news and updates from the Peace Queen Cup please visit www.nzfootball.co.nz  

AUCKLAND – A two-minute burst of quicksilver Korean counter-attacking snatched a 2-1 win from under the noses of the Football Ferns in their Peace Queen Cup opener in Suwon on Saturday night (NZT).

New Zealand led 1-0 at halftime thanks to Kirsty Yallop’s 13th minute goal but Kwon Hah-Nul and Park Hee-Young put the finishing touches on two blistering counter-attacks in the 68th and 70th minutes respectively to prevent the Football Ferns notching their first win on Asian soil in 21 years.

Despite limited preparation due to a late invitation to the eight team tournament, New Zealand dominated the first half at the Suwon World Cup Stadium and much of the second.

Yallop and captain Hayley Moorwood were commanding in midfield while fit-again Sweden-based defender Rebecca Smith quickly struck up an effective partnership with her centre-back partner Abby Erceg.

Story courtesy of NZF Media

For all the latest news at the Peace Queen Cup please visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

SUVA - He was lauded as an Oceania football hero in Noumea last week and now Christian Karembeu is championing the fight against HIV/AIDS alongside UNAIDS, Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and the Oceania National Olympic Committees.

The former Real Madrid and France international football hero gave his full backing to the Stop HIV Day at the OFC Men's Olympic Football Tournament in March and the OFC Women's Olympic Football Tournament play-off between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand in Port Moresby on International Women's Day.

OFC with the help of host broadcaster EMTV covered the match live in Port Moresby - the first time an international women's football match had been broadcast in Papua New Guinea.

For full details of the impact of the OFC UNAIDS Stop HIV Day at the Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers in Fiji and Papua New Guinea download this document:

Download here:

Stop HIV Newsletter Issue Five 

PORT MORESBY- New Zealand qualified for the Beijing Olympics today after seeing off a determined Papua New Guinea side 2-0 in front of a vivacious crowd at Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium.



The result was inevitable according to New Zealand Coach John Herdman but the game told a different story as New Zealand struggled to break down a resolute Papua New Guinea backline in the first half.



It took 55 minutes before they were able to break the deadlock when Renee Leotta was first to react to a scrappy clearance in the PNG box and coolly smashed the ball into the bottom corner to give goalkeeper Roxanne Komeng no chance.



Kirsty Yallop made sure of things in the 81st minute when she found time and space in the PNG six yard box to calmly slot the ball into the right corner.



But the real story of the day was the spirited, gutsy performance of the Papua New Guinea side who had the crowd on their feet from start to finish with their inspirational performance.



The match marked the first ever live broadcast of Women’s soccer in PNG – through EMTV - and combined with falling on International Women’s day proved a very inspirational day for the Women of the PNG squad.



Captain Miriam Moeder - named best defender of the match by sponsors Toyota – led by example and was emotional when she said that the match was one that she will remember for the rest of her life.



“I am very, very proud of my team. Last time we played New Zealand we lost 7-0 and today was a great improvement. It was a good day.”



Coach Francis Moyap was equally proud of his team.



“We knew that New Zealand had a big size advantage and were good with the long ball. I told our girls that it needed to be a team performance to compete and that’s what they gave me. Today’s performance came from the heart.”



New Zealand coach John Herdman admitted that his side looked physically tired after a grueling schedule over the last week.



“We just had three games in six day’s in Australia leading into this one, and combined with only having one day to acclimatize made it very tough on the girls.



“But they dug in mentally and battled well through the immense heat.”



New Zealand Captain Hayley Moorwood was very animated at the prospect of playing in the Olympic Games in August.

“I can’t explain how excited I am to even think about the Olympics. A year ago it wasn’t even a thought and now we’re right on the doorstep.”



Like the New Zealand Men’s side – who can confirm their nomination with a point against the Cook Islands on Sunday – the Football Ferns still require New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) ratification to take their place in the 12-nation women’s draw.
That could happen as early as next week when a New Zealand Football representative meets with the NZOC’s three-man Olympic selection panel to sell the Olympic merits of both teams.



“We have to now try and compile evidence that these girls deserve to be Olympians,” said Herdman

OFC WOMENS OLYMPIC FOOTBALL PLAYOFF

PAPUA NEW GUINEA vs. NEW ZEALAND

PORT MORESBY RUGBY LEAGUE STADIUM

PORT MORESBY

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

SATURDAY 8 MARCH 2008

KICK-OFF: 14H00 (PNG TIME)



PNG: 3. Katherina SALAIAU; 5. Helen BAKI; 7. Julie ALAU (12. Samantha PENINSA 42’) ; 9. Deslyn SINIU; 10. Catherine MOEDER; 11. Daisy WINAS; 14. Tracey KIG; 15. Miriam LANTA ©; 16. Ara MIDI; 19. Lydia BANABAS (8. Pauline TURAKAUR 72’); 20. Linda BUNAGA [gk].

SUBS: 1. Roxanne KOMENG; 4. Martha KIAPIN; 13. Katherine KUSUNAN; 17. Cathy AGUNAM; 18. Sakapu MARK.

COACH: Francis MOIYAP (PNG)

CAUTIONS: 3. Kathrina SALAIAU 44’; 12. Samantha PENINSA 64’; 10. Caroline MOEDER 71’; 16. Ara MIDI 76’;

RED CARDS:

GOALS:

NZL: 2. Ria PERCIVAL; 3. Merissa SMITH (9. Wendi HENDERSON) ; 4, Emily McCOLL; 5. Abi ERCEG; 6. Maia JACKMAN; 7. Simone FERRARA (11. Kirsty YALLOP 46’); 8. Hayley MOORWOOD ©; 13. Anna BROMLEY; 14. Renee LEOTA; 15. Emma KETE (10.Annalise LONGO 46’) ; 16. Rachel HOWARD [gk].

SUBS: 1. Jenny BINDON [rgk]

COACH: John HERDMAN (ENG)

ABSENT: 12. Ali RILEY.

CAUTIONS:

RED CARDS:

GOALS: 14. Renee LEOTA; 11. Kirsty YALLOP;

REFEREE: Tammy OGSTON (AUS)

ASSISTANT REFEREE 1: Sara HO (AUS)

ASSISTANT REFEREE 2: Airiie KEEN (AUS)

FOURTH OFFICIAL: Rita GANI (MAL)

PORT MORESBY - Welcome to the OFC Women's Olympic Football Tournament Play-Off coming to you from Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium on this International Women's Day (IWD).

Its a hot day in Port Moresby where the temperature is expected to reach beyond a predicted high of 30 degrees celsius with clear blue sky.

The humidity is likely to play a signifcant part in today's match with both teams certain to feel the effects of the afternoon sun.

Papua New Guinea's squad resembles the one that defeated Tonga 3-1 after extra time at the XIII South Pacific Games - Samoa 2007 - but that was the last match the team played nearly 7 months ago.

New Zealand appear to be at full-strength with the one exception the absence of Ali Riley who left the squad following its three match preparatory tour of Australia last week.

Hayley Moorwood will captain the side in the absence of the influential Rebecca Smith who is still out with a knee injury.

Updates from Port Moresby will occur at approximately ten minute intervals.

This service is brought to website visitors in association with EMTV - Nambawan To Watch, Fiji TV, Papua New Guinea Football Association to mark International Women's Day (IWD).

LIVE TEXT UPDATES:

0'- The start sheets have been submitted at Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium and we're almost set for a start here in Papua New Guinea.

5'- Papua New Guinea win a corner but it comes to nothing as New Zealand clear the danger

9'- A physical start to this match by Papua New Guinea as they attempt to shut down New Zealand's midfield.

12'- Merissa Smith is making in-roads for New Zealand but her delivery from the right hasn't been her usual high standard

13'- Papua New Guinea has deployed a back five - the last time they used a central three and New Zealand tore them to peices down the flanks with Ria Percival and Ali Riley.

15'- The score is Papua New Guinea 0, New Zealand 0, with New Zealand making a cagey start to this match.

19'- Emily McColl shoots for goal but its wide

23'- This is turning into an impressive performance by Papua New Guinea with Daisy Winas and Deslyn Siniu turning in inspirational displays

25'- Simone Ferrara and Merissa Smith are the best performers for New Zealand so far

28'- Papua New Guinea have learned from the last time the two teams played - but can their fitness withstand the Football Ferns for an entire 90 minutes...?

31'- New Zealand and Papua New Guinea have struggled to create clear cut chances so far - Ara Midi is holding the ball up well for Papua New Guinea and bringing Daisy Winas into play

35'- This match is turning into a more difficult prospect than John Herdman could have imagined - the home crowd has got right in behind the Papua New Guinea team

37'- The pace of the match continues to be played at a fast clip despite the conditions

40'- New Zealand has yet to find a way past Papua New Guinea's defensive backline

45'- HALFTIME: PNG 0 NZL 0

It's half-time at Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium as Papua New Guinea and New Zealand fight it out for Oceania's qualifying berth at the Olympic Women's Football Tournament - Beijing 2008.

New Zealand will have to change something in its approach if it wants to find a way past this brave Papua New Guinea performance.

SECOND HALF

46'- SUBSTITUTION: 10. Annalise LONGO in - New Zealand

50'- Longo makes a big difference for New Zealand as she probes for openings for New Zealand

55'- GOAL! Renee LEOTA picks up a poor clearance on the edge of the box, composes herself, takes a right foot shot that finishes up in the bottom left hand corner - sweet finish!

Papua New Guinea 0 New Zealand 1

60'- Substitute Samantha Peninsa is through on goal with Rachel Howard but hits a weak shot straight at the keeper! A real chance for the host nation gone begging!

65'- Papua New Guinea has thrown its heart and soul into this match and haven't let Leota's special strike affect their approach - a fascinating match!

70'- New Zealand has introduced Kirsty Yallop and Wendi Henderson and they've made the world of difference.

73'- Annalise Longo continues to play well as Papua New Guinea limbs begin to tire

78'- New Zealand's experience and composure is looking likely to win the day for John Herdman

81'- GOAL! Kirsty Yallop finds space in the box and applies a calm finish to make it 2-0! A messy build-up - Papua New Guinea's brave resistance is starting to break down

84'- Ria Percival has been immense for New Zealand this afternoon

86'- Papua New Guinea continue to plug away gamely but their energy levels look spent - they're dangling a leg into tackles as New Zealand look to have Beijing in its sights

90'- It's all over! New Zealand has won 2-0 and qualified for the Beijing Olympics - but credit most certainly deserved by Papua New Guinea who gave a brilliant effort live on television for the first time in history!

New Zealand coach John Herdman will be delighted with his charges as they continue to go from strength to strength as the Football Ferns eye Beijing

FULLTIME: PNG 0 NZL 2 

OFC WOMENS OLYMPIC FOOTBALL PLAYOFF

PAPUA NEW GUINEA vs. NEW ZEALAND

PORT MORESBY RUGBY LEAGUE STADIUM

PORT MORESBY

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

SATURDAY 8 MARCH 2008

KICK-OFF: 14H00 (PNG TIME)

PNG: 3. Katherina SALAIAU; 5. Helen BAKI; 7. Julie ALAU; 9. Deslyn SINIU; 10. Catherine MOEDER; 11. Daisy WINAS; 14. Tracey KIG; 15. Miriam LANTA ©; 16. Ara MIDI; 19. Lydia BANABAS; 20. Linda BUNAGA [gk].

SUBS: 1. Roxanne KOMENG; 4. Martha KIAPIN; 8. Pauline TURAKAUR; 12. Samantha PENINSA; 13. Katherine KUSUNAN; 17. Cathy AGUNAM; 18. Sakapu MARK.

COACH: Francis MOIYAP (PNG)

CAUTIONS:

RED CARDS:

GOALS:

NZL: 2. Ria PERCIVAL; 3. Melissa SMITH; 4, Emily McCOLL; 5. Abi ERCEG; 6. Maia JACKMAN; 7. Simone FERRARA; 8. Hayley MOORWOOD ©; 13. anna BROMLEY; 14. Renee LEOTA; 15. Emma KETE; 16. Rachel HOWARD [gk].

SUBS: 1. Jenny BINDON [rgk]; 9. Wendi HENDERSON; 10. Annalise LONGO; 11. Kirsty YALLOP.

COACH: John HERDMAN (ENG)

ABSENT: 12. Ali RILEY.

CAUTIONS:

RED CARDS:

GOALS:

REFEREE: Tammy OGSTON (AUS)

ASSISTANT REFEREE 1: Sara HO (AUS)

ASSISTANT REFEREE 2: Airiie KEEN (AUS)

FOURTH OFFICIAL: Rita GANI (MAL)

Thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast for Port Moresby along with temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius but New Zealand coach John Herdman is confident his side has enough composure to keep their powder dry in the early running and enough class to prevail despite trying conditions.

“Most of our players have experience of playing in Papua New Guinea [in World Cup qualifying last year] so know what to expect,” said Herdman.

Story and photograph courtesy of New Zealand Football Media (NZF)

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