Ferns get a boost from Nations Cup

The Football Ferns could have an unprecedented build-up for next year’s Women’s World Cup, with confirmation they will compete in the inaugural Cup of Nations in Australia next year.

The New Zealand side already have a pre-World Cup fixture against the United States locked in for 2019 and the tournament across the Tasman will offer three more highlycompetitive fixtures.

The world No 19 Ferns will take on Australia (ranked sixth), South Korea (14th) and Argentina (36th) from February 28 to March 6, with three matches spread across three cities in seven days.

Ferns coach Tom Sermanni sees the event as ideal preparation for the World Cup in France, where they will face Canada, the Netherlands and Cameroon.

“We are really looking forward to this tournament,” said Sermanni. “To play three world-class sides over seven days in three locations will be great preparation for what we will face in France at the World Cup.

“So to have secured quality opposition, along with playing the US in May, we are happy with our buildup to the tournament.”

The six-match tournament will begin at Jubilee Stadium in Sydney on February 28 with Argentina taking on South Korea, followed by the Matildas against the Football Ferns.

This match comes 40 years after Australia’s first women’s football international — also played in Sydney against New Zealand.

The Ferns then play Argentina in Brisbane three days later and finish with South Korea in Melbourne.