New Zealand came into this game on the back of an impressive performance against Australia in midweek and coach Tony Readings was looking to continue the fine play and add some incision in the final third. Despite the loss of an early goal New Zealand dominated for large periods of the game and deserved to equalise in the 38th minute through Gregorius’ wonder strike.
“We’re really happy with that performance and it was another game that we should have won. We’ve shown twice against a top 10 team that we can keep the ball and dominate the game. We’re still a young squad and this team is only going to get better as we build towards the FIFA World Cup 2015 and the Olympics in Rio de Janerio,” said Readings.
New Zealand got off to the worst start possible with Australian captain Clare Polkinghorne rising highest to put Australia ahead from their first corner in the 11th minute.
Despite the early goal New Zealand continued to keep hold of the ball well, dominating the game in midfield and looked to strike back early with Hearn turning smartly in the area but shooting straight at Brianna Davey in the Australian goal. The 18-year-old keeper gained high praise for her performance for Australia on Thursday and once again was in top form to deny New Zealand on several occasions and eventually become the hero in the penalty shoot-out.
Australia were looking to counter-attack at pace and happy for New Zealand to dominate possession in midfield and it was from a sweeping move that Gregorius equalised. Hannah Wilkinson was a constant threat down the right side and after some great work on the wing crossed the ball low to the back post. Gregorius still had plenty to do but controlled the ball well and curled it delightfully past Davey who had no chance in goal. It was a goal thoroughly deserved for New Zealand and put them level at half time.
“It was a great goal,” said Readings. “We were looking to get the ball into the danger areas more often and for individual players to make a difference and we got that with Wilkinson driving at the defence and putting in a ball for Gregorius to put away with a great finish.”
The second half continued with New Zealand once again dominating possession and forcing several fine saves from Davey, denying both Wilkinson and Betsy Hassett from close range. As the game moved into the final 10 minutes New Zealand ramped up the pressure to grab a famous victory but it was Australia who almost snatched an injury time winner as Kellond-Knight hit the post from a corner and the New Zealand defenders bravely cleared the ball off the line.
Australia won the deciding penalty shoot out 4-2 with Davey saving from Hearn and Hoyle to win the inaugural Centenary Cup but the draw and the performance was another step in the right direction for the Football Ferns.
“The team are really upbeat about the performance and frustrated with not turning that dominance into a win. Looking ahead this team is only going to get better. Japan will be another great test and a different style of opposition but we’re looking ahead to the FIFA 2015 World Cup and the Olympics in 2016 and we need to keep the players focused on that and keep working hard and learning.”
Australia 1 (Polkinghorne 11’)
New Zealand 1 (Gregorius 38’)
McKellar Park, Canberra
Australia win 4-2 on penalties
Football Ferns: Erin NAYLOR (GK), Ria PERCIVAL, Katie HOYLE, Rebekah STOTT, Abby ERCEG (c), Ali RILEY, Amber HEARN, Sarah GREGORIUS (WHITE 74’), Annalie LONGO (YALLOP 66’), Betsy HASSETT, Hannah WILKINSON
Subs Not Used: Megan LEE, Anna GREEN, Jenny BINDON (GK), Sarah MCLAUGHLIN, Katie BOWEN, Holly PATTERSON, Helen COLLINS
Coach: Tony READINGS
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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