New Zealand Women's U-20s

So how do the rules for qualification work? Is there a 'best loser' type deal like these age group tournaments often have? If so, are we almost through to the next round already?

Great result, good job girls!

No the Olys had third best qualifiers cos there were three groups. WC has four so two best only

Oh, I see. Well great start anyway, hopefully they can kick on.

The Mexico game is certainly one where we should be able to get some points out of, so qualification for quarter-finals is ours to lose at the moment.

Lets go Girls!!

Own goal by Japan, 1-0 to the Ferns

Rosie White makes it 2-0!!!

Two 

Go u young things

We need to rattle them  more or they will settle and come back

Bigger

They are coming back

We were looking quite sound at the back, then 1 failed clearance and they pull one back.

The crowd singing is painful. Will trun the sound off shortly

Think they need to muscle them a bit

Some close chances at the end for Japan.

We need to come out all guns  blazing for 15 in 2 nd half then settle the speed down and hold on.

Mugging them at the moment. Have a feeling if we ship another one in early in the second it could ugly.

Is that a landing strip on the front of the Japanese shirt?

Great save

That Nishikawa is dangerous

They're no Brazilians.

Totally hate that singing now

Bugga.

A bit soft, but has been coming.

Double bigger

Hold on Ladies

Mexico won the earlier game 2-0, so this is a very good result for the girls. At least a draw in the final game will put us into the next round.

Nayler>Bindon

2-2 final. Top result against a better team and one of the favourites, but there is some disappointment at squandering a 2-0 lead, and especially giving up a soft goal in the last 20 for the equaliser.

Qualification to the knock-out stages is ours to lose really.

They looked wasted at the end, hung on, just, but they did, so well done.

Very good keeping

great resuly. cant wait till sundays game, will be there yelling from the stands

Watched the game last night and was very happy with the result. To be honest we played a game based on strong defending and counter attack. Wilkinson was outstanding - she has so much pace and good ball control.

But 2-0 to us at HT was an unfair score. Japan with plenty of chances, especially in the first 10' or so. I couldn't believe they replaced Nakada after less than 30' - she was by far the cutest in the team..and I thought she was doing well. The own goal was just unlucky.

But the substitutions worked out for them. We took our chances really well, especially Rosie White's goal was great.

In the end we defended very well and managed to take a point home.

The last game is now key - it would be a shame to get knocked out when we have 4pts after 2 games.

Let's hope they can qualify!

God I'm glad I managed to stay up for that. What a great defensive effort from the girls, even Rosie White and Hannah Wilkinson tracking back was top notch. I thought we were gonna nick it right at the end but can't blame the girls for being totally nackered, it looked hot there too.

Need a draw at least with Mexico to qualify out of the group and also secure the most ever points in group play by any NZ team all ages...right?

Also Rosie White looks the business. Even at the olympics in the senior team I think she deserved more playing time. The goalie too. Looks a lot sharper than the senior goalie. Great for the future.