Three points from Winnipeg Stadium would almost certainly secure progress to the round of 16 at least as one of the four best third place teams if not in second place.
Despite their first two matches returning just one point, New Zealand have been tantalisingly close to bigger hauls in each, with clinical finishing the final piece of the puzzle to slot in.
With a defence that has only been breached once – only Brazil and Canada have conceded less – and a positive possession-based style creating chances at the other end, Readings says the difference between progression and an early exit could be a moment of magic.
“We’ve seen that this group is so tight that one chance could make the difference,” says Readings.
“It’s a chance for someone to step up and be that game breaker for us, find that little bit extra, a piece of skill that turns the match our way.”
New Zealand has faced China four times in the last three years, winning three of those clashes – all outside China. The most memorable of those was a 4-0 thrashing that clinched the Valais Cup in Switzerland.
China have shown a tactical flexibility in their Group A matches, setting up defensively in the late loss to Canada but playing more aggressively in a 1-0 win over the Netherlands. A draw would see them qualify but a win could steal top position and an easier Round of 16 fixture.
Midfielder Annalie Longo says the team is familiar with their Asian opponents and prepared for all variations.
“China can change it up,” says Longo.
“We’ve played them a lot so we know a lot about them and we’ll use that to our advantage. We’ve seen a lot of games including the games they two played here at the World Cup.”
Longo says the Football Ferns are looking forward to the challenge facing them.
“It’s a must win game and the girls are excited.
“We know what we have to do. It’s about going out there, performing and doing our jobs on the day.”
The match kicks off at 11.30am New Zealand time with Canada’s game against Netherland played concurrently in Montreal.
Approximately 25,000 tickets have already been sold for the Winnipeg double header that also sees Germany play Thailand in the earlier match.
FIFA Women’s World Cup
China v New Zealand
Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg
Monday 15 June, 2015
6.30pm (11.30am Tuesday 16 June NZT)
Live on Sky Sport 2 from 11.18am
New Zealand: (from) 1-Erin NAYLER (GK), 2-Ria PERCIVAL, 3-Anna GREEN, 4-Katie DUNCAN, 5-Abby ERCEG (captain), 6-Rebekah STOTT, 7-Ali RILEY, 8-Jasmine PEREIRA, 9-Amber HEARN, 10-Sarah GREGORIUS, 11-Kirsty YALLOP, 12-Betsy HASSETT, 13-Rosie WHITE, 14-Katie BOWEN, 15-Meikayla MOORE, 16-Annalie LONGO, 17-Hannah WILKINSON, 18-Catherine BOTT, 19-Evie MILLYNN, 20-Daisy CLEVRLEY, 21-Rebecca ROLLS (GK), 22-Emma KETE, 23-Cushla LICHTWARK (GK).
Coach: Tony READINGS
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