While the Football Ferns today lost 1-0 to the recently crowned Olympic champions, the progress made during the October international window was significant, and reflected in both the scoreline and how they approached the game.

“It was a different approach today,” say head coach Jitka Klimková, who before the game had identified fixes in how the team would defend.

“We defended on the front foot, we put the pressure on the ball straight away and we won the ball a little bit closer to the opposition goal, which led us to us creating more chances and, and being more dangerous in this game.

“I'm very pleased with the improvement we've made.”

The Ferns saw three changes made to the starting line-up, with Sunday debutant Jacqui Hand making her first international start up front with Gabi Rennie, replacing Emma Rolston and Rosie White, while Anna Leat replaced Erin Nayler in goal, although the 4-3-3 formation used in first game was retained.

While the Ferns went behind in the sixteenth minute, with two-goal scorer Adriana Leon adding to her tally for the series, it was a much-improved performance across the park for the Ferns, with the work on the training ground clearly taking effect.

“I'm so proud of this team, what we've done during such a short period of time, how much we connected with each other, how much we started believing in each other and believing in ourselves,” says Klimková.

“And again, it's just the beginning. So I’m very proud of what we've done during this week.”

CJ Bott, who made a number of vital challenges in a tireless performance at right back, was also pleased with the progress and performance of her team mates, and the willingness of the team to reorient to a more attacking mindset.

“It's definitely been a challenge for us, but one that we're definitely willing to take on completely, especially coming into the world cup in a few years' time. So we're really excited about it,” she says.

“It's definitely new for us. We've been such a defensive minded team for such a long time, and it's really exciting having Jitka and the other new coaches on board really challenging us and encouraging us.

“We're really enjoying the way we are expected to play, and we're definitely willing to keep focusing on this and growing as a team.”

Canada 1 (Adriana Leon, 16’)

Football Ferns 0

Article added: Wednesday 27 October 2021