Medal at stake

The performance of the New Zealand under-17 women’s football team is right up there with the best efforts by any Kiwi team on the international stage. No shame in going down to European powerhouse Spain in the semifinals and still plenty to play for as innovative coach Leon Birnie puts out his team in tomorrow’s bronze medal match at the World Cup. It’s a chance to match the bronze won by Auckland City at the 2014 Club World Cup, and to be viewed alongside the unbeaten run by Ricki Herbert’s All Whites at the 2010 World Cup finals and, of course, the 1982 fairytale. So much for those who still insist New Zealand would benefit from joining Australia in Asia. How many Australian age groups teams make it out of that confederation? Pity the same can’t be said about the Phoenix, who have slipped back to their bumbling best. It’s no easier tomorrow when they host table-topping Perth — the only unbeaten team through five rounds. Ninth-placed Wellington have scored just three goals, the Glory 11. Tonight, the Mariners are at home to Sydney in what is always a battle and the Victory host the Wanderers. Also tomorrow, Melbourne City host the Jets. There’s more from the Serie A tomorrow, including Juventus at Fiorentina.

● A-League, today 7.30pm/9.45pm; tomorrow 7pm/pm; Friday 9.45pm. Fifa Under-17 World Cup, tomorrow bronze match

7.48am, final 10.48am