New Zealand have scored their first-ever goal at a FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, but still suffered a 2-4 defeat to Tanzania, that significantly hampers their chances of progression from the group stage.
Fifty-seven places on the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Rankings seperated the two nations in New Zealand’s favour, but an impressive hat-trick from Mary Siyame proved decisive for the East Africans in stunning the Futsal Ferns.
The result means New Zealand have been all but eliminated from the inaugaral edition of the competition, suffering two defeats from their first two group games.
Prior to the tournament, Futsal Ferns coach Nic Downes had targeted the game as an opportunity for his team to express themselves. Having managed just six shots in their opening 0-6 defeat to Japan three days earlier, the Ferns certainly did that, offering significantly more on attack across the course of the contest.
They created some good chances early, Britney-Lee Nicholson rolling the ball against the right post after latching onto a long ball high up the court, Captain Hannah Kraakman firing a shot wide of the left post, whilst Alosi Bloomfield poked her effort wide of the right not long after.
It was an error at the back that handed Tanzania the advantage, and their first goal at a FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup. Siyame stole the ball off Jamie Evans in the 11th minute and found the bottom-left corner of the net with a composed finish.
New Zealand’s own historic moment arrived moments before half-time in the 19th minute, Kraakman rounding the keeper to score her nation’s first-ever goal at the tournament, and level the contest at the break.
It didn’t take long for Tanzania to reclaim their lead at the start of the second half though, again catching the Ferns in transition in the 22nd minute, and Siyame adding the finishing touch for her second goal.
Tanzania scored their third in the 27th minute, Winfrida Charles blasting a powerful effort into the top of the net off the right flank.
The Futsal Ferns found a lifeline just 14 seconds later however, when Jessica Verdon pounced on a mis-hit from Nicholson to score New Zealand’s second, adding to the increasingly open feel of the game.
More goals seemed a certainty, but with momentum back behind them again, New Zealand struggled to find the all-important third goal. Kraakman prod a shot just wide of the left post with their best chance through the final 12 minutes.
Instead Tanzania sealed the win with five seconds left on the clock, Siyame sealing her nation’s first win at a FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, with a hat-trick.
New Zealand now look likely to finish their campaign with a tough final group fixture against global heavyweights Portugal on Sunday evening NZT, whilst Tanzania will hope to progress with an upset win over Japan on the same night.
New Zealand: 2 (Hannah KRAAKMAN 19’, Jessica VERDON 27’)
Tanzania: 4 (Mary SIYAME 11’, 22’, 40′, Winfrida CHARLES 27’)
HT: 1-1
Photo credit: FIFA via Getty Images