AUCKLAND – The Football Ferns know plenty of hard work lays ahead of them before the 2011 World Cup, after an eye-opening 0-6 defeat at the hands of China in their Four Nations Tournament opener in Guangzhou.

A superb free-kick from Yan Bi inside two minutes set the scene for China, who went two goals up with another set piece in the 20th minute, before a four-goal onslaught in the second half – including three goals in the last 20 minutes – left no room for a Football Ferns comeback.

New Zealand coach John Herdman said after closely matching the Chinese in the first half, his side just couldn’t adjust when China’s third goal 10 minutes after halftime signalled a change of pace in the game.

“We were disappointed to be two nil down at halftime, but China just found another gear and we couldn’t live them when they upped the tempo,” Herdman said

“We had chances, we had possession but we’re just not ruthless enough in front of goal and our defending and goalkeeping at times wasn’t great.

“The frustrating thing is that it seemed that every time China got into the box they scored, whereas we’re not as clinical as that.”

There were some positives for Herdman, including the performance of Betsy Hassett and captain Hayley Moorwood in central midfield, and the chance to blood four uncapped teenagers as the Football Ferns look to build a new side for the 2011 World Cup and 2012 Olympics.

Winger Hannah Wall and fullback Liz Milne were handed starts and had “steady” debuts while strikers Sarah McLaughlin and Rosie White got their first taste of a full international off the substitutes bench during a period of wholesale changes in the second half.

All-in-all ten U-20 players were used, and Herdman vowed the newer members of the squad would get plenty of learning opportunities when the Football Ferns take on Korea Republic on Monday and Finland on Wednesday.

“This tour is all about development, so we’ll continue to experiment with players and combinations so that we can walk into preparation for the Cyprus Cup in March able to look at the tactical, physical, and psychological work needed for these players.”

“We’ll give some more of the younger players an opportunity to start against Korea because it’s important they get to know the intensity at this level.”

“They’re coming in and realising that the game is far quicker, and that they not only need to increease the pace of their movement but their speed of thought as well.”

In the day’s earlier game, Korea Republic beat Finland 4-0 to sit second behind China on goal difference.

Four Nations Tournament

Guangzhou, China

January 11, 2009

New Zealand 0 China 6

Halftime 0-2.

New Zealand: Jenny BINDON (GK), Ria PERCIVAL, Abby ERCEG, Kristy HILL, Elizabeth MILNE (Anna GREEN 55), Hannah WALL (Caitlin CAMPBELL 60), Hayley MOORWOOD (Captain), Betsy HASSETT (Annalie LONGO 60), Kirsty YALLOP, Amber HEARN (Sarah McLAUGHLIN 65), Emma KETE (Rosie WHITE 55).

Substitutes not used: Aroon CLANSEY (RGK), Katie HOYLE.

Head Coach: John Herdman

Story and image courtesy New Zealand Football Media

Please visit www.nzfootball.co.nz for the latest news in New Zealand football