Rio Olympics: Erceg red-carded as Football Ferns beat Colombia

SENT OFF: Football Ferns captain Abby Erceg was red-carded in their 1-0 win over Columbia in controversial circumstances, ruling her out of their next game. Photo/Photosport.nz

If the Football Ferns are going to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Rio Olympics football, they'll have to do it without inspirational captain Abby Erceg.

The Northlander was red-carded in the late stages of their 1-0 win over Colombia, ruling her out of their vital clash with France.

Erceg was sent off in controversial circumstances by Zambian referee Gladys Lengwe from Zambia, after a Colombian attacker tumbled spectacularly just outside the penalty box.

Despite huge protests from the Football Ferns, Lengwe was unmoved. The players got their arms tangled briefly before the Colombian hit the ground.

Goalkeeper Erin Naylor then pulled off a fine one-handed save from the resulting free kick.

The sole goal of the match came via forward Amber Hearn in the 31st minute.

The win gives them three points from two games in their group G.

The format of the tournament, three groups of four teams, has the top two in each pool progressing to the last eight, along with the two best performing third-placed teams.

Winning keeps New Zealand in medal contention going into their final group match against formidable world No 3 France.

However their problem lies in the state of the other two groups.

Brazil, Sweden and China all have three points in group E, and the first two named play later today, and South Africa have none.

Canada have six points in group F with Germany four, Australia one and Zimbabwe none.
World No 5 Australia have the fillip of facing Zimbabwe in their last game on Wednesday and would expect to get to four points.

So New Zealand have their hands full with a tough finale.

Still, coming after their disappointing 2-0 loss to the world No 1 United States last week, the New Zealanders will be pleased with the outcome. On rankings, they should have won it too, but the loss of the experienced Erceg is a stinging blow.