Experienced Football Fern Ria Percival says it will be one of the proudest moments of her football career if she was to become the most-capped New Zealand player in history.

The 28-year-old from West Ham United, who brought up her 132^nd A International in the 6-0 victory over the Cook Islands to draw level on caps with former captain Abby Erceg, will achieve that milestone if she is selected for New Zealand’s final pool game of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup against Fiji tomorrow. 

“It is hard to put into words what that would mean to me,” she said from Noumea. “For me being in the team so long and my journey along the way, to achieve that milestone would make it all worthwhile. To step out there for the next game, if I get that opportunity, it will be one of the most special moments in my football career.”

Born in the UK, Percival attended Green Bay High School and came through the ranks at Lynn-Avon United before heading overseas for spells at clubs in America, Canada, Switzerland, Germany and now England.

The fullback has appeared at three FIFA Women’s World Cups and three Olympic Games in a career that has spanned 12 years.

“I am really proud of the length of my career. I remember my debut as a 16-year-old against China. And it is great to look back now and see how far we have come and grown as a team. For me I just keep trying to play my part and keep moving the team forward, and keep putting in winning performances.”

New Zealand Football’s Technical Director Andy Boyens, who played 19 A Internationals for the All Whites between 2006 -11, paid credit to Percival for reaching the milestone.

“To play one game for New Zealand is a huge honour and a dream for any footballer in our country, but to play a record 133 times for your national team is an extraordinary achievement,” said Boyens.

“The longevity of Ria’s career, to play for 12 years for the national team and the number of pinnacle events she has attended is not an easy thing to do. I know she has plenty more to offer with the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics in the next two years, but milestones like this are an opportunity to reflect on an outstanding career.” 

Percival, and the Ferns team, are focused on the task at hand. They have defeated Tonga (11-0) and the Cook Islands (6-0) and will look to continue that winning form against Fiji tomorrow.

Fiji will be the Football Ferns toughest game of the group. They have defeated Cook Islands (3-0) and Tonga (12-0) in an impressive start to the tournament.

“We are through already but that is not our focus. We are taking every game very seriously. We still have one more game which we have to perform in, score goals and continue working on our game plan to take a good win going into the semis,” she said. 

“We have obviously had a bumpy year or so now. It is good that we have come into this tournament with a good mind-set. We have all stuck together and now we are moving in the right direction.”

Ferns Head Coach Tom Sermanni made eight changes to the starting XI for the Ferns second game and Percival said the depth in their squad gives them huge confidence going into the playoffs.

“It was great to give the young girls more game time, and get them to experience the tournament, they all did a good job of stepping up today. It is good to see that we can give some players game time to bump up their experience but also keep performing,” she said.

Emma Rolston scored a double (her first goals for New Zealand) while Katie Rood and Sarah Morton also got off the mark for their country and Grace Jale took her tally to two, having opened her international account against Tonga. 

“It is good to see young girls getting on the scoresheet and putting away their opportunities,” said Percival. “It is good to see them performing the way we know they can when they get their chance.” 

OFC Women’s Nations Cup (all NZT) 

Fiji vs New Zealand
Sunday 25 November, 7pm
Stade Numa-Daly Magenta, Nouméa

Semi-Finals
Wednesday 28 November

Final
Saturday 1 December

Article added: Saturday 24 November 2018