Photo credit: FIFA via Getty Images
New Zealand’s Olympic journey has ended, following a 2-1 defeat to hosts France in Lyon this morning.
New Zealand coach Michael Mayne made three changes to the side that took on Colombia, with Malia Steinmetz, Milly Clegg and Mackenzie Barry all dropping to the bench, replaced by Annalie Longo, Grace Jale and Michaela Foster.
France came into this game having already qualified for the quarter-finals, and reiterated their credentials when they opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. New Zealand goalkeeper Anna Leat was unfortunate for the opening goal when Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s powerful header squirmed under the adjusting goalkeeper’s body.
Against the run of play New Zealand equalised in the 43rd minute with a wonder strike from Kate Taylor. Taylor, who confirmed her move to French Première Ligue club Dijon FCO on the eve of the Olympic Games, received CJ Bott’s throw-in in space outside the penalty area, and caught Pauline Peyraud-Magnin completely unaware with a lovely looping half volley.
Parity was only restored for a short period however, as Katoto doubled her tally shortly after the restart. Sakina Karchaoui drove down the left and crossed in for the Paris Saint Germain striker to net the winner.
From there the lead never looked likely to slip, with France comfortably in control as they searched for a third.
New Zealand 1 (Kate TAYLOR 43’)
France 2 (Marie-Antoinette KATOTO 22’, 49’)
HT: 1-1