AUCKLAND – New Zealand have been given an intriguing group for November’s U-20 Women’s World Cup in Chile, landing England, Nigeria and the host nation in Sunday’s draw in Santiago.

New Zealand also drew the hosts – Russia – in the 2006 edition, narrowly losing a five goal thriller in injury time, before bouncing back to draw with the bronze-medalling Brazilians in their final group game.

By landing the hosts, the Junior Football Ferns have dodged a rematch with powerhouses Brazil and avoided top seeds USA, Germany and defending champions North Korea.

However, head coach John Herdman says initial relief with the draw was tempered by news of recent results.

“Chile have been preparing for this event for the last two years, whereas we are yet to play a competitive fixture,” Herdman said.

“They’ve beaten both England and Norway recently – and England were second only to Germany in Europe – so their investment in the team is paying dividends.

“Throw in the African champions Nigeria and it’s a very tough group, but that’s our reality. There are no easy games at a World Cup.

Herdman remained positive though indicating that his team aimed to go one better than two years ago.

“Even given the strength of the opposition, winning is definitely on the radar for this team and the players we can call on.”

The team will get an early chance to benchmark themselves against the World Cup hosts, when they compete in next week’s 4-Nations tournament also involving fellow World Cup qualifiers Canada and Mexico.

For the three warm-ups, Herdman has named an 18-strong squad that features no fewer than nine players with senior international experience, including seven that featured at the 2007 Women’s World Cup in China, and who six who returned with the New Zealand Olympic squad earlier this year.

“We are usually playing catch-up in the experience stakes, so it’s refreshing to go into a FIFA event with players that can boast really good experience,

“The key is how these players respond to the responsibility to bring that out.”

Seven of those internationals are graduates of Herdman’s U-20 squad of 2006, including defensive pair Abby Erceg and Ria Percival who have played every match for the Football Ferns (30 games) since making their international debut in 2006.

The balance of the squad is largely made up of U-17 players who will have at least one World Cup – the New Zealand hosted U-17 Women’s World Cup in October/November – under their belt should they make Herdman’s final World Cup squad in October.

Story courtesy New Zealand Football Media

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FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Chile 2008

Draw

Group A: Chile, England, New Zealand, Nigeria

Group B: China PR, Argentina, France, USA

Group C: Canada, Japan, Congo DR, Germany

Group D: Mexico, Norway, Brazil, Korea DPR

Schedule

Nov 19: New Zealand v Nigeria

Nov 22: New Zealand v Chile

Nov 26: New Zealand v England

Nov 30: Quarter-finals

Dec 4: Semi-finals

Dec 7: Final

Junior Football Ferns (NZ U-20 Women) Squad for 4 Nations II Tournament – Chile, September 17-21

Goalkeepers: Charlotte Wood (Three Kings United), Victoria Esson (Glenfield Rovers)

Defenders: Abby Erceg (Western Springs), Ria Percival (Lynn-Avon AFC), Elizabeth Milne (Western Springs), Anna Green (Three Kings United), Bridget Armstrong (Glenfield Rovers), Briony Fisher (Western Springs)

Midfielders: Katie Hoyle (Lynn-Avon United), Grace Vincent (Western Springs), Annalie Longo (Three Kings United), Caitlin Campbell (Glenfield Rovers), Rosie White (Western Springs), Betsy Hassett (Three Kings United)

Forwards: Hannah Wall (Western Springs), Renee Leota (Western Springs), Merissa Smith (Three Kings United), Sarah McLaughlin (Claudelands Rovers)

Management: John Herdman – Head Coach, Ali Grant – Assistant Coach, Kristy Hill – Team Manager, Meridy Boyd-Clark – Physiotherapist, Brad Conza – Sport Scientist

4 Nations II Tournament:

Santiago, Chile

September 17, 11am (NZT)

New Zealand v Chile

September 19, 9am (NZT)

New Zealand v Mexico

September 21, 9am (NZT)

New Zealand v Canada