Ferns strikers frustrated in first-round loss

We played a team, in Holland, ranked 12th in the world and I thought we were the better team.

New Zealand’s Football Ferns have made the worst possible start to their Fifa Women’s World Cup campaign, losing 1-0 to the Netherlands yesterday.

The match, played in front of more than 50,000 people at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Canada, was the Netherlands’ first at a women’s World Cup. New Zealand, playing in their third consecutive World Cup, were looking for their first win.

The Ferns looked the more competent team. They often had the better of the Dutch and exerted pressure throughout, but were unable to convert when it counted.

The Dutch got on the board through a brilliant strike by Lieke Martens in the 33rd minute.

The Ferns had dozens of chances, particularly in the second half, but trated.

The last time the two teams played was at the Cyprus Cup in 2012 where they drew 2-2.

Like that match, this was always going to be an arm-wrestle as both sides have similar styles of play.

New Zealand coach Tony Readings said he thought his team outplayed their opposition.

‘‘We have got to be happy the way we played,’’ he said.

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‘‘We played a team, in Holland, ranked 12th in the world and I thought we were the better team.

‘‘The first half was pretty tight and I thought it was quite even but the second half we were far the better team. Sometimes you don’t get your rewards but if we keep playing like that throughout the tournament we will be fine.’’

New Zealand controlled the first quarter of the match, but their attack was at times one dimensional, with Hannah Wilkinson on the right flank constantly in the game while Sarah Gregorius, on the left, was all but idle.

Ria Percival, in her 104th match for New Zealand, was easily the Ferns’ best player.

She was a constant presence both on defence and attack.

The first real chance for the Ferns came in the 11th minute when Percival turned and shot, but didn’t trouble the Dutch goalkeeper.

Netherlands keeper Loes Geurts pulled off a magnificent save in the 19th minute when Percival looped a ball in from a free kick.

The New Zealanders settled earlier than their Dutch opponents and looked more organised in possession, but the Netherlands took their chances when they could – with Erin Nayler making a leaping save in the 18th minute.

New Zealand play hosts Canada in their next pool match.

Readings said Canada, who beat China 1-0 in an earlier match, would be difficult.

‘‘It’s another big game for us, obviously. They are all going to be tight. It is very tight in this group.’’

Tony Readings, NZ coach