Football Ferns out to shock
They’ve been drawn with two of the heavyweights of women’s football, but New Zealand remain upbeat about getting out of their group at the Olympics.
The Tony Readings-coached Football Ferns, who are ranked 17th, are in a formidable pool containing World No 1 United States, France [ranked third] and Colombia [24th].
Their opening match is against USA at Belo Horizonte on August 3, two days before the Olympics’ opening ceremony.
Fullback Ali Riley said despite having to play USA and France they were quietly confident of doing well.
"I definitely think we got the group of death, but we have nothing to lose and no one expects anything from us.
"But we have huge expectations of our own and what better time is there to meet the USA than in the first game of the Olympics? I think that will be the best time to shock them and show the world that we mean business.’’
The Football Ferns have already touched down in Brazil and are among the first Kiwis to check into the Olympic Village.
With a vastly experienced squad, which includes seven players at their third Olympics and five with more than 100 caps, New Zealand have named a talented line-up for the tournament.
While Riley is familiar with the Olympic vibe, defender Meikayla Moore is one of only two members of the squad – the other being speedy striker Jasmine Pereira –
who have not previously attended a Games.
She intends to make the most of the village experience.
‘‘Just to walk around the village and know that you are in the company of the best athletes in the world is going to be incredible – I can’t wait to experience that,’’ Moore said.
Fellow fullback Ria Percival has vivid memories of her time in past villages and said it was a surreal feeling.
‘‘You can’t describe it really – you’ve just got to go there and see it for yourself.’’
New Zealand Olympic Committee Chef de Mission Rob Waddell said while the village hadn’t been completely ready when he arrived last week, the advance party had been well prepared and able to work together to deliver the apartments in time.