The first of the Football Ferns two friendly matches against Australia kicks-off this afternoon with the side looking to take confidence from a successful Cyprus Cup campaign into these matches against top 10 opposition.
“We took some big steps in the Cyprus Cup, not just in terms of results but the style of football we played and we’re looking to these games to keep improving our level of performance”, coach Tony Readings says.
With regular captain Rebecca Smith still sidelined with a knee injury, 84-cap Abby Erceg will lead the Football Ferns against Australia. Erceg made her debut in 2006 against China and was one of the youngest ever Football Ferns to reach 50 caps.
Late call-up Megan Lee will be hoping to convince Readings of a place in the starting 11 and gain valuable international match experience. Midfielder Kirsty Yallop and keeper Jenny Bindon return to the squad after missing the Cyprus Cup. Yallop, along with Ali Riley are unavailable for today’s game, with both arriving from their clubs in Sweden to join up with the squad for the second match on Sunday, 16 June.
Readings says he has been delighted with the attitude of the players and is excited to put them to work against some tough comptition.
“The girls worked hard in the domestic camp. Everyone’s looking fit and raring to go and get out on the pitch.”
Australia Head Coach Hesterine de Reus has been forced to make a late change to her squad for the matches with co-captain Kate Gill withdrawing from the squad on Monday with a hamstring injury.
Today’s game will be the first international in charge for de Reus who has called up two new members to the squad, Sydney FC goalkeeper Sham Khamis and Brisbane Roar’s Vedrana Popovic, whilst regulars Kyah Simon, Caitlin Foord and Ellyse Perry are not included.
The Football Ferns are currently ranked 20th in the FIFA World Rankings with Australia in ninth place.
This is a closed door match and only open to authorised media, however Saturday’s match will be screened on Sky Sports in New Zealand.
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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