The Ferns play trans-Tasman rivals and fellow World Cup finalists Australia in Gosford on May 15 and then travel on to meet China in Jinan on May 20. Each match will be preceded by a behind-closed-doors training match.
A 21-strong squad will travel for the matches against the World’s 12th and 15th ranked nations and after experimenting with tactics and trialling personnel in the recent Cyprus Cup, New Zealand coach John Herdman says the four match tour will have a clear focus as they head into the sharp end of preparations for Germany 2011.
“Cyprus was experimental, this is a dress rehearsal,” Herdman says.
“It’s about building on the core of players and strategies and putting the final pieces in place, against teams who will be very similar to England and Japan.”
New Zealand face Japan, England and Mexico in Group B of the World Cup, while Australia – quarterfinalists in 2007 – have drawn Brazil, Norway and Equatorial Guinea in Group D.
“The game against the Matildas will have something extra on it, not just because they are gearing up for the World Cup as well, but also because any game we play against the Aussies has extra pressure to do well.”
The games will be the last on-field opportunity for players to force their way into New Zealand’s World Cup squad which will be named in late May.
International Friendlies
Australia v New Zealand
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Sunday 15 May 2011
3.00pm (5pm NZT)
China v New Zealand
Friday 20 May 2011
Jinan, China
Kickoff: TBC
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
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