Football Ferns

morgenstern12

Clearly there is much more pressure on the Matildas to do well in the world cup than the football ferns.

Indeed - the difference in attitude from the fans is significant. It's an area we're really behind Australia in. They're really into supporting the Matildas and a lot are genuinely angry/upset after all these defeats they're getting and calling for Tony Gustavsson to go. And in fact know the players well. 

Maybe I'm generalising here but it honestly seems like the majority of football fans in NZ don't give a hoot about the Ferns. It's only really on forums like this that I see any genuine critique, on the Ferns social pages it's mostly just 10ish comments like "amazing girls" or "well done another win" or "unlucky you did us proud" etc. 

Not saying that being negative is better (it's not) but again a generalisation, I guess it seems like Aussies care about the Matildas and Kiwis just aren't very interested in the Ferns. Hence the level of scrutiny is levels greater. 

lthomas20

morgenstern12

Clearly there is much more pressure on the Matildas to do well in the world cup than the football ferns.

Indeed - the difference in attitude from the fans is significant. It's an area we're really behind Australia in. They're really into supporting the Matildas and a lot are genuinely angry/upset after all these defeats they're getting and calling for Tony Gustavsson to go. And in fact know the players well. 

Maybe I'm generalising here but it honestly seems like the majority of football fans in NZ don't give a hoot about the Ferns. It's only really on forums like this that I see any genuine critique, on the Ferns social pages it's mostly just 10ish comments like "amazing girls" or "well done another win" or "unlucky you did us proud" etc. 

Not saying that being negative is better (it's not) but again a generalisation, I guess it seems like Aussies care about the Matildas and Kiwis just aren't very interested in the Ferns. Hence the level of scrutiny is levels greater. 

 maybe because the ferns never schedule friendlies at home

morgenstern12

lthomas20

morgenstern12

Clearly there is much more pressure on the Matildas to do well in the world cup than the football ferns.

Indeed - the difference in attitude from the fans is significant. It's an area we're really behind Australia in. They're really into supporting the Matildas and a lot are genuinely angry/upset after all these defeats they're getting and calling for Tony Gustavsson to go. And in fact know the players well. 

Maybe I'm generalising here but it honestly seems like the majority of football fans in NZ don't give a hoot about the Ferns. It's only really on forums like this that I see any genuine critique, on the Ferns social pages it's mostly just 10ish comments like "amazing girls" or "well done another win" or "unlucky you did us proud" etc. 

Not saying that being negative is better (it's not) but again a generalisation, I guess it seems like Aussies care about the Matildas and Kiwis just aren't very interested in the Ferns. Hence the level of scrutiny is levels greater. 

 maybe because the ferns never schedule friendlies at home

This is a very big reason why the interest levels would seem much higher in Aussie. As  a random guess the Matildas have played 15-20 games at home since Ferns hosted Japan. Many profile high teams like USA and Canada

It’s night verus day re marketing your team before a home World Cup. At least Pragnell seems to be trying to bring games to NZ for Ferns and AWs. But NZF just lacks the financial resources of FA re bringing teams downunder esp now the AWs have failed to make Qatar with its $16M (about that from memory) pay cheque

But hopefully a few nations will want to visit NZ prior WWC to check out the facilities etc.

Also many of the Matildas like Sam Kerr started their pro careers in the ALW. None of the Ferns started their pro careers in NZ, very few in the ALW. Most left NZ as teenagers, some like Riley & Stott have never even lived in NZ - so their profile is naturally lower compared to a Kerr (a genuine world class star in her own right)

Figured crossed the ferns will play at home in the November window especially after the draw

coochiee

morgenstern12

lthomas20

morgenstern12

Clearly there is much more pressure on the Matildas to do well in the world cup than the football ferns.

Indeed - the difference in attitude from the fans is significant. It's an area we're really behind Australia in. They're really into supporting the Matildas and a lot are genuinely angry/upset after all these defeats they're getting and calling for Tony Gustavsson to go. And in fact know the players well. 

Maybe I'm generalising here but it honestly seems like the majority of football fans in NZ don't give a hoot about the Ferns. It's only really on forums like this that I see any genuine critique, on the Ferns social pages it's mostly just 10ish comments like "amazing girls" or "well done another win" or "unlucky you did us proud" etc. 

Not saying that being negative is better (it's not) but again a generalisation, I guess it seems like Aussies care about the Matildas and Kiwis just aren't very interested in the Ferns. Hence the level of scrutiny is levels greater. 

 maybe because the ferns never schedule friendlies at home

This is a very big reason why the interest levels would seem much higher in Aussie. As  a random guess the Matildas have played 15-20 games at home since Ferns hosted Japan. Many profile high teams like USA and Canada

It’s night verus day re marketing your team before a home World Cup. At least Pragnell seems to be trying to bring games to NZ for Ferns and AWs. But NZF just lacks the financial resources of FA re bringing teams downunder esp now the AWs have failed to make Qatar with its $16M (about that from memory) pay cheque

But hopefully a few nations will want to visit NZ prior WWC to check out the facilities etc.

Also many of the Matildas like Sam Kerr started their pro careers in the ALW. None of the Ferns started their pro careers in NZ, very few in the ALW. Most left NZ as teenagers, some like Riley & Stott have never even lived in NZ - so their profile is naturally lower compared to a Kerr (a genuine world class star in her own right)

It's sad. But hopefully having the home womens world cup will improve that. Makes performing credibly all the more important though...

On another note - Ferns will play two home friendlies games against participating playoff nations when the playoffs happen next February for the 2023 WWC. So that's a positive. 

Just looked it up - 37 (soon to be 38 when we play Japan) neutral/away matches for the Ferns since they last played in NZ. That's wild. Makes you wonder why neither of the Australia games this year were played here? Missed opportunity perhaps. 

lthomas20

Just looked it up - 37 (soon to be 38 when we play Japan) neutral/away matches for the Ferns since they last played in NZ. That's wild. Makes you wonder why neither of the Australia games this year were played here? Missed opportunity perhaps. 

Probably because FA offered to cover all the costs of the 2 games, or something similar. NZF is mostly at the beggars table

coochiee

lthomas20

Just looked it up - 37 (soon to be 38 when we play Japan) neutral/away matches for the Ferns since they last played in NZ. That's wild. Makes you wonder why neither of the Australia games this year were played here? Missed opportunity perhaps. 

Probably because FA offered to cover all the costs of the 2 games, or something similar. NZF is mostly at the beggars table

Surely the costs of bringing a women's team down from Asia is significantly cheaper then a men's team who all expect the 5* treatment.  

As we saw from the last two games, facilities at home are better then what the Ferns often use/play on overseas.  

It's time NZF grew a pair and start promoting the Ferns the same way NZR does with women's rugby.

Is anyone going to this game in japan?  Trying to work out where is best to sit 

Scratch that, we are A1 haha

coochiee

📣 Ford Football Ferns squad just dropped 📣

🌿🖤🤍 | #FernsWhānau

— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) September 28, 2022

Remember watching a few of these girls at the under 20 wwc in 2012 in Japan (sadly a 4-0 loss to mexico after being 0-0 at half time)  
got my tickets to the nagano game so will be good to see them play again

What's with Erceg? Unavailable again?

Has only played 2 games for the Ferns (She Believes Cup in March) since Klimkova became coach.

I see Japan have a friendly game against Nigeria 3 days before the Ferns take them on.

https://theniche-cache.com/football/2022/10/1/football-ferns-vs-japan-squad-yarns-amp-preview

Where is Abby Erceg? In North Carolina as per usual. The frustrating thing about this situation isn’t so much that she tends not to be available for friendly games any more as it is the near-complete lack of clarity about it. Even in her presser, Klimková expressed an initial desire to talk about other players instead. But she did go on to explain the state of affairs better than anyone else has for a while, so that was helpful.

Erceg, same as with eight of the last ten squads, has remained at home in America to focus on her club team. In fairness, that’s never been more pertinent (on the field at least) than right now with the playoffs imminent. But she hasn’t retired from international football. JK still has a place for her in these squads and intends to have a longer chat with Abby after this tour.

Great news for ChCh football fans.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/130076537/football-ferns-to-play-two-games-against-south-korea-in-christchurch-in-november

The Christchurch series marks the first of a number of home games the Ferns will play in the next six months, as preparations ramp up for the home World Cup next year, with the side also confirmed to play three games in Auckland and Hamilton during the Fifa Women’s World Cup Play-Off Tournament.

🚨 Our Ford Football Ferns are coming home next month! 🚨

We'll see you soon @Christchurch_NZ 👋

🌿🖤🤍 | #WhānauFerns

— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) October 4, 2022

Ferns haven't played at home for so long, be interesting to see if it is much of a boost heading into a home WC

There's no place like home 🇳🇿❤️

🌿🖤🤍 | #WhānauFerns pic.twitter.com/ynVtFjUShL

— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) October 4, 2022

Exciting - might see if I can make it from Dunedin!

Japan beat Nigeria 2-0 overnight. Both goals in the second half.

coochiee

What's with Erceg? Unavailable again?

Has only played 2 games for the Ferns (She Believes Cup in March) since Klimkova became coach.

She clearly thinks she's bigger then the team so it's time to drop her permanently I think.

I really hope Naylor is there to make up numbers and help with shooting practice and nothing more. The other two keepers are far beyond her now and should be fighting for that first choice role.

We can also confirm that Gabi Rennie is no longer in contention for selection for Sunday's game after testing positive for COVID-19. Get well soon Gabi!

🌿🖤🤍 | #WhānauFerns pic.twitter.com/4diDgzktQk

— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) October 6, 2022

A whole week together before playing. Wow unheard with men's FIFA windows.

It's been a week of mahi in Nagano💪

🌿🖤🤍 | #WhānauFerns pic.twitter.com/TIXjcgRGvY

— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) October 7, 2022

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/130111759/another-win-and-more-ice-cream-a-tough-ask-for-football-ferns-against-japan

First, however, comes their 37th match in a row away from home, where they will be looking to turn in a credible performance, playing predominantly on the counter.

Forwards Jacqui Hand and Gabi Rennie have been ruled out due to injury and Covid-19 respectively, but Grace Jale and Hannah Wilkinson have returned to the fold after missing the September matches due to Covid-19.

Wilkinson should come straight back into the starting XI, especially with Hand and Rennie absent, but the makeup of the rest of the Ferns’ front four is surrounded in intrigue.

0-0 after 30 mins. On Sky Sports 2 apparently.

Starting XI is IN!

📰Team news:

©️ Vic Esson captains the side for her 10th cap
🤕 Ali Riley and CJ Bott are out injured

🌿🖤🤍 | #WhānauFerns | #NZLvJPN pic.twitter.com/hL5l9DezRB

— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) October 9, 2022

https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZLvJPN?src=hashtag_click

38’ | Bowen again with the block, having moments before started an attack 💪

🌿🖤🤍 | #WhānauFerns | #NZLvJPN | 🇳🇿0-0🇯🇵 https://t.co/sg9337zGBM

— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) October 9, 2022

Holy damn, Wilkenson is shark.

Japan score in 44th min.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/300706801/live-football-ferns-vs-japan--womens-football-international

Miyazawa bags the opener!! Endo receives the final end of a one two at the top of the box, before slotting a through ball in behind Moore. Miyazawa gets on the end of it at the far post, where she remains composed and slots it low into the far corner. Esson was caught way off her line there.

Monto

Holy damn, Wilkenson is shark.

turns like the titanic, can't hold the ball, can't pass...... slow as fudge

This team is shark, its gonna be an absolute embarrassment at the world cup. Surely the coach must go? There has been no improvement the entire time she's been in charge. Surely getting absolutely annihilated at home next year would do more harm to women's football then good.

Rubbish commentary as per 

Feverish

Rubbish commentary as per 

Yeah it's pretty abysmal

Monto

Holy damn, Wilkenson is shark.

Scores for fun in the ALW (which will be an indicator of the league's strength), and still the best striker the Ferns have.

Taylor has looked a cut above in the passing department since she's come on. Good to see 

Monto

Taylor has looked a cut above in the passing department since she's come on. Good to see 

Really? Didnt think she did much to be fair

I simply mean that most of her passes actually went to another teammate. Same couldn't be said of others.