After raising their level between previous matches against Japan and the host United States side, New Zealand coach Jitka Klimkova says Monday’s game was a frustrating exercise.
“We’re disappointed with today,” Klimkova says, “we made simple mistakes and gave possession to the Chinese team very cheaply.”
After going scoreless against Japan and the United States, Jade Parris scored the first goal of the tournament for the New Zealand side from a free kick mid-way through the first half which boosted the team.
“We conceded a cheap first goal and the girls were very happy to get the equaliser. We were on fire in the period after we scored.
“But China went 2-1 ahead 10 minutes later when we conceded another sloppy goal.”
Klimkova says their experience at the four-team tournament has given the team practical experience with dealing with the challenges of top level play.
“Everyone realises what it means to play international football. We have to be much quicker with the ball and make faster decisions. If we are going to give the ball away we will struggle.
“This tournament will be a big lesson for the girls for the future. “We will look at the USA game and see we can play against strong opponents.”
Klimkova added the tournament has helped the staff zero in on what will form the basis of the team’s preparation for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in March.
“After this tournament we’ll do some tactical work and we’ll work a bit more on the psychological side about what it takes to play at this level.”
The New Zealand side now returns home to complete their preparations for the age-group showcase event in Costa Rica.
NTC Invitational Tournament – Carson, Los Angeles
New Zealand U-17 1 (Jade Parris)
China 5
Halftime: 1-2
New Zealand: Emily Hanrahan (GK), Geneva Gross, Hope Gilchrist, Elizabeth Anton, Hanna English, Lucy Stotter, Isabella Richards, Daisy Cleverley, Paige Satchell, Jade Parris, Sarah Morton
Substitutes: Emma Fulbrook (GK), Karin Ingram, Emily Oosterhof, Sophie Stewart Hobbs, Deven Jackson, Tayla Christensen, Isabella Coombes
For more on New Zealand football go to www.nzfootball.co.nz

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