PORT MORESBY – Welcome to the OFC Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Play-Off coming to you from Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium on this International Women’s Day (IWD).
Its a hot day in Port Moresby where the temperature is expected to reach beyond a predicted high of 30 degrees celsius with clear blue sky.
The humidity is likely to play a signifcant part in today’s match with both teams certain to feel the effects of the afternoon sun.
Papua New Guinea’s squad resembles the one that defeated Tonga 3-1 after extra time at the XIII South Pacific Games – Samoa 2007 – but that was the last match the team played nearly 7 months ago.
New Zealand appear to be at full-strength with the one exception the absence of Ali Riley who left the squad following its three match preparatory tour of Australia last week.
Hayley Moorwood will captain the side in the absence of the influential Rebecca Smith who is still out with a knee injury.
Updates from Port Moresby will occur at approximately ten minute intervals.
This service is brought to website visitors in association with EMTV – Nambawan To Watch, Fiji TV, Papua New Guinea Football Association to mark International Women’s Day (IWD).
LIVE TEXT UPDATES:
0′- The start sheets have been submitted at Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium and we’re almost set for a start here in Papua New Guinea.
5′- Papua New Guinea win a corner but it comes to nothing as New Zealand clear the danger
9′- A physical start to this match by Papua New Guinea as they attempt to shut down New Zealand’s midfield.
12′- Merissa Smith is making in-roads for New Zealand but her delivery from the right hasn’t been her usual high standard
13′- Papua New Guinea has deployed a back five – the last time they used a central three and New Zealand tore them to peices down the flanks with Ria Percival and Ali Riley.
15′- The score is Papua New Guinea 0, New Zealand 0, with New Zealand making a cagey start to this match.
19′- Emily McColl shoots for goal but its wide
23′- This is turning into an impressive performance by Papua New Guinea with Daisy Winas and Deslyn Siniu turning in inspirational displays
25′- Simone Ferrara and Merissa Smith are the best performers for New Zealand so far
28′- Papua New Guinea have learned from the last time the two teams played – but can their fitness withstand the Football Ferns for an entire 90 minutes…?
31′- New Zealand and Papua New Guinea have struggled to create clear cut chances so far – Ara Midi is holding the ball up well for Papua New Guinea and bringing Daisy Winas into play
35′- This match is turning into a more difficult prospect than John Herdman could have imagined – the home crowd has got right in behind the Papua New Guinea team
37′- The pace of the match continues to be played at a fast clip despite the conditions
40′- New Zealand has yet to find a way past Papua New Guinea’s defensive backline
45′- HALFTIME: PNG 0 NZL 0
It’s half-time at Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium as Papua New Guinea and New Zealand fight it out for Oceania’s qualifying berth at the Olympic Women’s Football Tournament – Beijing 2008.
New Zealand will have to change something in its approach if it wants to find a way past this brave Papua New Guinea performance.
SECOND HALF
46′- SUBSTITUTION: 10. Annalise LONGO in – New Zealand
50′- Longo makes a big difference for New Zealand as she probes for openings for New Zealand
55′- GOAL! Renee LEOTA picks up a poor clearance on the edge of the box, composes herself, takes a right foot shot that finishes up in the bottom left hand corner – sweet finish!
Papua New Guinea 0 New Zealand 1
60′- Substitute Samantha Peninsa is through on goal with Rachel Howard but hits a weak shot straight at the keeper! A real chance for the host nation gone begging!
65′- Papua New Guinea has thrown its heart and soul into this match and haven’t let Leota’s special strike affect their approach – a fascinating match!
70′- New Zealand has introduced Kirsty Yallop and Wendi Henderson and they’ve made the world of difference.
73′- Annalise Longo continues to play well as Papua New Guinea limbs begin to tire
78′- New Zealand’s experience and composure is looking likely to win the day for John Herdman
81′- GOAL! Kirsty Yallop finds space in the box and applies a calm finish to make it 2-0! A messy build-up – Papua New Guinea’s brave resistance is starting to break down
84′- Ria Percival has been immense for New Zealand this afternoon
86′- Papua New Guinea continue to plug away gamely but their energy levels look spent – they’re dangling a leg into tackles as New Zealand look to have Beijing in its sights
90′- It’s all over! New Zealand has won 2-0 and qualified for the Beijing Olympics – but credit most certainly deserved by Papua New Guinea who gave a brilliant effort live on television for the first time in history!
New Zealand coach John Herdman will be delighted with his charges as they continue to go from strength to strength as the Football Ferns eye Beijing
FULLTIME: PNG 0 NZL 2
OFC WOMENS OLYMPIC FOOTBALL PLAYOFF
PAPUA NEW
PAPUA NEW
SATURDAY 8 MARCH 2008
KICK-OFF: 14H00 (PNG TIME)
PNG: 3. Katherina SALAIAU; 5. Helen BAKI; 7. Julie ALAU; 9. Deslyn SINIU; 10. Catherine MOEDER; 11. Daisy WINAS; 14. Tracey KIG; 15. Miriam LANTA ©; 16. Ara
SUBS: 1. Roxanne KOMENG; 4. Martha KIAPIN; 8. Pauline TURAKAUR; 12. Samantha PENINSA; 13. Katherine KUSUNAN; 17. Cathy AGUNAM; 18. Sakapu MARK.
COACH: Francis MOIYAP (PNG)
CAUTIONS:
RED CARDS:
GOALS:
NZL: 2. Ria PERCIVAL; 3. Melissa SMITH; 4, Emily McCOLL; 5. Abi ERCEG; 6. Maia JACKMAN; 7. Simone
SUBS: 1. Jenny BINDON [rgk]; 9. Wendi HENDERSON; 10. Annalise LONGO; 11. Kirsty YALLOP.
COACH: John HERDMAN (ENG)
ABSENT: 12. Ali RILEY.
CAUTIONS:
RED CARDS:
GOALS:
REFEREE: Tammy OGSTON (AUS)
ASSISTANT REFEREE 1: Sara HO (AUS)
ASSISTANT REFEREE 2: Airiie KEEN (AUS)
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Rita GANI (MAL)