The Football Ferns are ready to test themselves against the World No 1 USA in a fever-pitch atmosphere tomorrow at a sold-out Busch Stadium in St Louis in Missouri.

The World No 19 Ferns have not beaten the USA since 1987, but they have a much bigger goal in mind as they complete their preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France in 22 days’ time.

The Ferns come into the fixture with some confidence after defeating Norway – their first win over higher ranked opposition in four years – while the USA are undefeated in their last seven games and most recently defeated South Africa 3-0.

“I am expecting a very difficult game,” said Football Ferns Head Coach Tom Sermanni, who was the Head Coach of the USA WNT from 2013 – 14.  “They will have 35,000 fans cheering them on. Well 34, 990 fans, we will probably have about 10 in the crowd. They are playing for positions in their team, and they have a very proud record here in the States. It will be a tough game for us tomorrow, but it will be a very valuable part of our preparation.”

Football Ferns captain Ali Riley, who was born in California and qualifies for playing for New Zealand through her Kiwi Dad, said the atmosphere at Busch Stadium and the quality of the USA are ideal preparation for what they will experience in France.

“It is an amazing challenge,” she said of playing the World No 1.  “They will have all of the bells and whistles out tomorrow. It is a sell-out crowd. Obviously everyone is super excited to see the US National team before they head off to the World Cup in France.”

Riley, who has played 123 A Internationals for New Zealand since making her debut back in 2007, said it is always special coming up against a team she knows so well. 

“I grew up with a lot of these girls and I am so impressed with what the US team has done both on and off the field. It is an amazing challenge and we know we don’t have much time left to prepare but what better way to see where we are and learn some lessons tomorrow.

“I believe in this team and I believe that we can get a result against the USA even though it is a huge challenge. These are the types of games that you play for. At the World Cup there will be a lot of pressure and a lot of fans, and this experience will be a good way for us to Segway into that.

Sermanni has 19 of the 23 players heading to France available for this game. Defenders Rebekah Stott, CJ Bott and goalkeeper Vic Esson were not released by their clubs and midfielder Betsy Hassett (broken wrist) are not available for the international friendly.

“It would be nice to have everybody here so we can get into some proper preparation, but we still have the vast majority of our squad. It just means with some players missing, other players get opportunities,” he said.

It is likely to be a special occasion for Football Ferns forward Rosie White who will bring up her 100^th A International if selected.

Sermanni said the team enjoyed their Official Training at Busch Stadium – a ground used for baseball for the St Louis Cardinals – and was quick to dismiss any concerns about the playing surface.

“The field is actually pretty good. They have had to put some turf down from where I am assuming the mound was, but the field is in good shape so it won’t be a major issue. It is a fantastic stadium. The stands are almost right on top of you so the atmosphere will be terrific in there. We are all looking forward to it.

“The result for this game is not going to be a definitive point for us. This game is part of our preparation for four weeks’ time and this will show us where we are at.” 

The USA and New Zealand have met 16 times in their history, with the World No 1 having won 14, drawn one and lost just once to the Ferns.

The Football Ferns will meet the Netherlands, Canada and Cameroon at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. 

International Friendly
USA v New Zealand
Thursday 16 May, 7pm CT (Friday 17 May, 12pm NZT)
Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
Live on SKY Sport, ESPN 2

Football Ferns squad (from) 1. Erin Nayler, 2. Ria Percival, 3. Anna Green, 5. Meikayla Moore, 7. Ali Riley (captain), 8. Abby Erceg, 9. Emma Kete. 10. Annalie Longo, 11. Sarah Gregorius, 13. Rosie White, 14. Katie Bowen, 15. Sarah Morton, 16. Katie Duncan, 17. Hannah Wilkinson, 18. Stephanie Skilton, 19. Paige Satchell, 20. Daisy Cleverley, 22. Olivia Chance, 23. Nadia Olla

Coach Tom Sermanni

Article added: Thursday 16 May 2019