The Football Ferns are looking forward to finding out how good they are heading into the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

The Tom Sermanni coached side will take on World No 6 and tournament favourites Australia in their opening game of the inaugural Cup of Nations tonight at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney.

After winning the OFC Women’s Nations Cup in style in December, Sermanni said the focus is putting in a good performance against world-class opposition as they build toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup in June.

“We’d like a good result,” said Sermanni.  “That is the first thing. It has been since 1994 since we last beat Australia. But probably more importantly we need to make a statement of where we are at and what we are about. We need to look at where we are at individually and collectively as a team. That will give us a barometer for further preparations for the World Cup. We really need to go out tomorrow night with an attitude that we want to win the game.”

To add to the motivation, the match marks the 40 year anniversary of the Trans-Tasman rivalry and it is also the 50^th A International between the Ferns and Matildas.

Football Ferns captain Ali Riley said it was great to have the squad back together again as they get ready for a full international calendar.

“This tournament is a great opportunity for us to get that Ferny feeling again,” said Riley.  “We miss each other when we are not together. It is good to remind ourselves of the strengths we have as a team. We are also getting to know Tom and what he wants from us as a team. We are also getting a little bit of that feeling when you are at the World Cup when you have a game and then a couple of days rest and then you play again, against three very different opponents. It is a good format and I am really pleased to be part of this inaugural tournament.” 

Sermanni said the preparation this week has been good considering the challenges of international travel and the short time frame to get ready.

“The timeframe has been tight, but apart from that the preparation has been good. The spirit in the squad is good. Everyone is healthy and upbeat and hopefully we can take that enthusiasm into the game,” he said.

Riley added: “It is a quick turnaround but we are focused on being organised and nullify the threats that Australia have, which there are a lot of them.” 

Sermanni, the former Matildas Head Coach, said taking on Australia on their home turf is an ideal way to kick off the preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup where they will look to make history.

“The people behind me at [NZ Football] have put together a fantastic programme for us leading into the World Cup. I know the players are really excited and looking forward to it. You can’t get much better than this to start off our year. The Australian – New Zealand rivalry is one part of it, but also the fact of where The Matildas are placed in the world, they are not even considered a dark horse to win the World Cup but a genuine chance. So we are going up against a very formidable opponent and that is great. The players want to test themselves against some of the best.”

Squads: 

Football Ferns (from): 1. Erin Nayler (GK), 2. Ria Percival, 4. CJ Bott, 5. Meikayla Moore, 6. Rebekah Stott, 7. Ali Riley (c), 8. Abby Erceg, 9. Katie Rood, 10. Annalie Longo, 11.Sarah Gregorius, 12. Besty Hassett, 13. Rosie White, 14. Katie Bowen, 15. Sarah Morton, 16. Katie Duncan, 17. Steph Skilton, 18. Aimee Phillips, 19. Paige Satchell, 20. Daisy Cleverley, 21. Anna Leat (GK), 22. Emma Kete, 23. Vic Esson (GK)
Coach: Tom Sermanni

Australia (from): Teigen Allen, Laura Alleway, Mackenzie Arnold (GK), Tameka Butt, Eliza Campbell (GK), Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Alex Chidiac, Lisa De Vanna, Caitlin Foord, Emily Gielnik, Princess Ibini, Elise Kellond-Knight, Alanna Kennedy, Samantha Kerr, Chloe Logarzo, Aivi Luik, Teresa Polias, Clare Pokinghorne, Hayley Raso, Gema Simon, Emily Van Egmond, Lydia Williams (GK)
Coach: Ante Milicic

2019 Cup of Nations - Match Schedule – All games live on SKY Sport NZ

Matchday One
Date: Thursday, 28 February
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, New South Wales
Match One: Argentina v Korea Republic – 4.35pm kick-off (AEDT) (6.35pm NZT)
Match Two: Australia v New Zealand – 7.30pm kick-off (AEDT) (9.30pm NZT)

Matchday Two
Date: Sunday, 3 March
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Queensland
Match One: Argentina v New Zealand – 3.05pm kick-off (AEST) (6.05pm NZT); 4.05pm (AEDT)
Match Two: Australia v Korea Republic – 6.00pm kick-off (AEST) (9.00pm NZT); 7.00pm (AEDT)

Matchday Three
Date: Wednesday, 6 March
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne, Victoria
Match One: Korea Republic v New Zealand – 3.05pm kick-off (AEDT) (5.05pm NZT)
Match Two:  Australia v Argentina – 6.00pm kick-off (AEDT) (8.00pm NZT)

Article added: Thursday 28 February 2019