On Friday, the Football Ferns fell 2–1 to England in their second group game and can now no longer reach the last eight after losing both matches so far.
New Zealand round off their programme against Mexico on Tuesday, when they are determined to bow out of the tournament with a good result.
Smith is desperate to help her team finally collect their first point at a FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We watched Mexico’s draw with England and then saw them lose 4–0 to Japan,” she says.
“It looks as though anything can happen at this World Cup. Every game is different from every other, so we’re utterly determined to take all three points and make the nation proud.”
Tuesday’s clash will show whether Smith’s wishes are granted but, regardless of the result, the Kiwis will go home with fond memories of Germany.
“We’re having a great time here,” Smith says.
New Zealand led favourites England for much of the game on Friday after striker Sarah Gregorius gave them an 18th-minute advantage but the Ferns could not hold on as Jill Scott and Jessica Clarke made it 2-1 with goals in the 63rd and 81st minutes respectively.
“At the end of the day, I think experience made the difference,” the skipper says.
“We had England under control for an hour but they were under pressure to win, and they sent players forward from defensive midfield. We already knew England have a lot of extremely good players, and they stepped up and delivered the goods. I’m really proud of the girls but, unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough.”
The Football Ferns arrived in Germany with their sights set high but, despite Friday’s defeat, they will retain fond memories of the game, thanks to the wonderful support from the well-filled stands.
“I hope it was a good match to watch and that the fans enjoyed it,” Smith says.
“It was a very tense game to play in and I’m sure it was exciting for the crowd up in the stands. The Dresden fans were magnificent and the atmosphere was fantastic. It was a cracking match.”
The 30-year-old, who plays her club football for Wolfsburg in the German Women’s Bundesliga, senses a turning point.
“Women’s football in New Zealand has come on a very long way in the last four years. We’re a totally different proposition compared to the 2007 Women’s World Cup in China and we’re very proud of that.”
Story courtesy of FIFA.com.
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