AV says Klimkova should stay (for now!). At least the other teams in the Ferns pool, struggled with their Feb friendlies as well.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-cup/131310532/football-ferns-can-still-achieve-world-cup-goals-but-selections-have-to-start-making-sense
Most worryingly, there were several baffling selection decisions – both at the start of matches, and during them – and that can’t continue in April and July if the Ferns are to make the history they want to at a World Cup on home soil.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-cup/131310532/football-ferns-can-still-achieve-world-cup-goals-but-selections-have-to-start-making-sense
Most worryingly, there were several baffling selection decisions – both at the start of matches, and during them – and that can’t continue in April and July if the Ferns are to make the history they want to at a World Cup on home soil.
A first World Cup win and a place in the knockout stages remain within their reach, especially when you consider their lengthy injury list this month, and the mixed fortunes of their group A rivals – Norway, the Philippines and Switzerland – over the past fortnight.
But Jitka Klimková’s personnel choices need to start making more sense than they did on several occasions in February, even when allowing for the fact that she was without six top players for the loss to Portugal and nine for each of the two losses to Argentina – absences that make calls for a change of coach an overreaction.
At least Foster did make it into camp in the end, unlike her exciting Phoenix team-mate Milly Clegg, who surely has to be there as a new attacking option next time, after three matches where the Ferns had just seven shots on target and 19 in total.
At least Foster did make it into camp in the end, unlike her exciting Phoenix team-mate Milly Clegg, who surely has to be there as a new attacking option next time, after three matches where the Ferns had just seven shots on target and 19 in total.
Not having her there this time in place of Mackenzie Barry (who played one minute as the third-choice right back), Ava Collins (27 as the sixth-choice forward) or Indiah-Paige Riley (who missed the first two matches with concussion) was another missed opportunity.
Norway: In the four nation "Tournoi de France" drew with hosts France (world ranking 5), beat Uruguay (world ranking 67) and lost to Denmark (ranking 18)
So, mixed results (drawing with France in France is a good achievement).
Regarding Denmark, they are a tough opponent - qualified directly for the World Cup by topping their group, winning all eight games (42 goals for, two against).
Switzerland: Drew two friendlies with Poland played in Spain this month.
Poland are a strong side who narrowly missed a play-off spot in WCQ, finishing third in a very strong group two points behind Norway and Belgium (WDL: 6 2 2)
Switzerland will be tough.
Ranked 21
Finished second in their WCQ group two points behind Italy (WDL: 8 1 1)
Their only loss was at home to Italy (funnily, beat them away in Palermo).
They beat a much-improved Wales in the play-off.
That was Wales' only loss in their last ten games.
(We drew with Wales 0-0 last year in a friendly in Spain)
Most of their squad play in top European leagues (two at Arsenal, seven in Germany, three in France - incl. PSG, three in Spain - incl. Barcelona)
Philippines:
Played in the four nation Pinatar Cup in Spain 16 - 22 Feb.
Lost by only one goal to Wales and Scotland (0-1 and 1-2).
Outclassed by Iceland, who won the tournament, 5-0
However, they probably won't be easy beats for NZ.
They've had some good results in 2022 - 23:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines_women%27s_national_football_team#Results_and_fixtures
Beat Bosnia in both friendlies played in Europe.
Drew with Costa Rica and lost by one goal in friendlies in Costa Rica in October.
Drew with Chile in one friendly and lost the other only 1-0 in Chile in November.
Scored 23 goals in seven games to win the ASEAN Championship last year (3-0 over Thailand in the final; beat the Aussie u-23's in group play)
Scored 50 goals in six friendlies against Oceania sides (incl. two of the best PNG and Fiji) - the same way NZ would.
Will be competently coached by former Matildas (and A-League men) coach Alen Stajcic.
They actually have a few players playing in very good leagues around the world.
They benefit from the fact that there are so many Filipinas living around the world who have come up through strong footballing systems..
Star player is striker Quinley Quizada who plays for Red Star Belgrade.
(20 goals in 42 games for her country)
Striker Sarina Bolden (17 goals in 31 apps) is a new signing for Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League, having previously played in Japan's top league and the US second tier.
Defender Angela Beard (Western United) has recently switched allegiance from Australia (three friendly caps for the Matildas, age group international). Has experience the last two seasons in Denmark and with Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar.
Striker Katrina Guillou (10 goals in 22 games) plays for Pitea in the top Swedish league.
Defender Jessica Cowart plays for Kalmar in the top Swedish league.
Two midfielders play in Norway - Serrano in the top league and Eggesvik in the second tier.
Two play in the Icelandic league
Seven of their young side play for US universities.