The Ford Football Ferns began their journey towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 with a 1-1 draw against Costa Rica at a windy Piedades de Santa Ana Stadium in Alajuela.

Interim head coach Michael Mayne fielded a much changed side to the team’s final match of the previous cycle, with only five players retaining their starting spots from Paris 2024, the rotation reflecting the team’s commitment to building depth across the pitch.

The squad for the tour included five uncapped players, one of whom—Perth Glory forward Kelli Brown—was rewarded with a starting debut.

In pre-match media, Mayne and the players emphasised their intent to implement a new playing style, which was evident in their formation.

The team lined up with a back three of Liz Anton, Claudia Bunge, and Kate Taylor, while Indiah-Paige Riley and Hannah Blake operated as wingbacks.

The Ferns started as the stronger side, controlling possession against the Central Americans, with Macey Fraser testing Costa Rican goalkeeper Noelia Bermúdez with an early shot. 

As the first half progressed, the home side grew into the game, forcing Ferns goalkeeper Vic Esson into several impressive saves.

The deadlock was broken in the 20th minute when Costa Rican midfielder and primary attacking threat Priscila Chinchilla was played through on goal to finish with a deft touch, flicking the ball past Esson and into the net.

Trailing by a goal, the Ferns responded, regaining momentum in search of an equalizer.

Just before halftime, Katie Kitching fired a long-range free kick that deflected off the crossbar. 

Moments later, the breakthrough came when Indiah-Paige Riley unleashed a brilliant shot from outside the box, looping the ball over the Costa Rican keeper to level the score at 1-1 heading into the break.

 

The Ferns carried their attacking momentum into the second half, with substitute Jacqui Hand testing the goalkeeper with a long-range effort just minutes after the restart.

While Esson was called upon to make another crucial save, the best chances fell to the Ferns, the best of which came when goalscorer Riley delivered a pinpoint cross to Kitching, but the midfielder’s shot fired over the bar.

The second half saw Maya Hahn and Maniana Elliot make their international debuts but despite finishing as the stronger side, the Ferns were unable to find the winning goal.

Speaking after the match, interim head coach Michael Mayne said:

“It took us a little bit to grow in the game as you expect with a new system but I think the response at the end of the first half was really good and I actually think the second half we dominated really well.

"We’ve had a couple of good chances that we’ve just got to learn to take so that’s what we’ll be looking at for the next game.”

The Ford Football Ferns will face Costa Rica again on Wednesday, 26 February, at 11 am NZT (Tuesday, 25 February, at 4 pm local time).

The match will take place at Piedades de Santa Ana Stadium in Alajuela, Costa Rica, and will be available to watch live and free on FIFA+.

Article added: Sunday 23 February 2025