New Zealand Football Chairman Frank van Hattum opened the media event by reading out the squad that includes two teenagers in Katie Bowen and Erin Nayler.
The remainder of the team read fairly predictably with coach John Herdman going for experience that he believes will help New Zealand get out of their group for the first time at any FIFA women’s tournament.
“With England, Japan and Mexico in our group we face a mammoth task to get to the quarter finals but we’re confident the experience gained over the last four years will hold us in good stead,” said Herdman, who hails from England.
The 35-year-old took New Zealand to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2007, the Olympics in 2008 as well as two FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cups in 2006 and 2008.
All players selected have taken part in at least one FIFA age-group or senior event including eight surviving players from China 2007.
Herdman says he is aware of expectations placed on the Football Ferns after the heroic efforts of their male counterparts last year.
“The All Whites lifted the bar at the World Cup in South Africa. We have a responsibility to deliver the same kind of performances that will make the fans proud.”
Rebecca Smith, who plays for German club Vfl Wolfsburg, has been named captain of the side.
Born in America to Kiwi parents, Smith says her choice of playing professionally in Germany was largely based on the fact that the World Cup would be staged there.
“For me it feels I’m going home to play,” says the 29-year-old.
“There’s been a huge amount of marketing and promotion for the event in Germany so I think the girls will be excited by what they see over there.”
Smith is one of the most experienced in the squad joining Hayley Moorwood, Abby Erceg, Ria Percival and goalkeeper Jenny Bindon in the group with 50-plus caps.
Meanwhile Katie Bowen, who recently captained the U-17 team, and Erin Nayler, a standout in goal at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup last year, are the two bolters in the squad.
The Football Ferns leave for Europe on June 12 and will complete the final leg of their build up in Switzerland where they take on Wales along with fellow World Cup finalists Colombia and Denmark in three warm up internationals.
They meet Japan in their opening Group B clash in Bochum on June 27 before playing England on July 1 in Dresden and Mexico in Sinsheim on the 5th.
For the full list of players visit the NZF website story
For the latest news visit the FIFA tournament page