Biggest ever turnout for a women's match in NZ, and some people here think it should never have happened...
I said last week, NZF were between a rock & hard place. The rock star US may never play against the Ferns in NZ for years.
NZF would have hoped at least some of Bowen, Stott, Wilkinson & Steinemtz would have been released by their ALW clubs. They must have watched the game yesterday from Aus with some envy. And well done Welly for the 12K crowd. Nice effort. But boo to those ALW clubs, and denying their players that opportunity.
Hopefully Ferns can keep 2nd game to a similar 'respectable' scoreline. Sounds like they will be stronger for Game Two - Indiah-Paige Riley & Satchell to start? Thank god, the Nix play the day after & not the other way around.
But even is a bigger blowout scoreline, tour will still be a success. Lots of young girls (and boys) getting the chance to see those US rock stars up close. You can imagine some young girls going home and trying back heels aka Lavelle! Hopefully inspired to try take their football to the next level. I think many of those young kids are smart enough to know this is a depleted Ferns team.
Sometimes NZ football fans get too worried about what the casuals (ie rugby fans) think about soccer in NZ. Fudge them. Remind that 60 yr old male Pakeha rugby head at the water cooler, that his kids or grand kids are most likely playing 'soccer' & not rugby. From yesterday's crowd videos I saw, seems like was lots of young kids having a great time at the ROF, and excited to see some of the biggest names in world womens football. Great stuff