The New Zealand women’s football team, also known as the Football Ferns, is the national football team representing New Zealand in women’s football. The team is managed by New Zealand Football and has been competing internationally since 1975. The Football Ferns have made several appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games, and they are considered to be one of the strongest women’s football teams in the Oceania region.
New Zealand Women’s Football Team History
The New Zealand women’s football team was established in the 1970s, with the first international match being played in 1975 against Australia. In 1983, the team played in their first major international tournament, the OFC Women’s Championship, which they won. Since then, the Football Ferns have been dominant in the Oceania region, winning the OFC Women’s Championship a total of 11 times.
The team has made several appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with their first appearance coming in 1991. Since then, the Football Ferns have competed in five World Cup tournaments, with their best performance coming in 2007 when they reached the quarter-finals.
The team has also had success at the Olympic Games, with their first appearance coming in 2008 in Beijing. They reached the quarter-finals in both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
Players and Coaching Staff
The current New Zealand women’s football team is coached by Tom Sermanni, a Scottish-Australian coach who has previously coached the Australian and United States women’s national teams. The team is made up of a mix of experienced players and younger talent, with many of the players currently playing in professional leagues around the world.
Post Link: Netherlands Women’s Football Team – Women’s World Cup 2023
One of the most well-known players on the team is Ali Riley, who has played over 150 matches for the Football Ferns and has played professionally in several countries, including Sweden and the United States. Other key players on the team include Abby Erceg, Katie Bowen, and Hannah Wilkinson.
Recent Performances
The New Zealand women’s football team had a disappointing performance at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, failing to win a game and finishing last in their group. However, the team has had recent success at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup, winning the tournament in both 2018 and 2022.
Looking Forward
The New Zealand women’s football team has a bright future ahead of them, with a mix of experienced players and young talent on the team. The team will be looking to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand. With their strong record in the Oceania region and the leadership of coach Tom Sermanni, the Football Ferns will be hoping to make a deep run in the tournament and showcase the strength of women’s football in New Zealand.